House Vote to Impeach
Impeachment begins in the House of Representatives. A simple majority is required, meaning a president can be impeached if more than half of the voting members support the articles of impeachment. The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach, and the process typically starts with an investigation and a formal vote on articles of impeachment.
Senate Trial and Conviction
After impeachment, the Senate conducts a trial. Conviction and removal from office require a two-thirds supermajority of senators present and voting. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over presidential impeachment trials. If convicted, the official is removed from office and may be barred from holding future federal office.
Historical Context and Process
Several U.S. presidents have faced impeachment votes, but none were convicted by the Senate and removed from office. Impeachment is a political process, not a criminal one. For more details on the constitutional process and historical cases, see the official U.S. Senate overview of impeachment trials at https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment.htm.
