What Is Impeachment?
Impeachment is a formal process by which a legislative body charges a government official with misconduct. In the United States, the House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach a member of Congress, while the Senate conducts the trial. The process is outlined in the U.S. Constitution and is designed to hold elected officials accountable for serious violations of law or ethics.
How Does the Process Work?
The process typically begins when a member is accused of misconduct, such as bribery, fraud, or abuse of power. An investigation is launched, often by a committee, which gathers evidence and hears testimony. If the committee finds sufficient grounds, it drafts articles of impeachment. These articles are then voted on by the full House. A simple majority vote is required to impeach the official.
What Happens After Impeachment?
After impeachment by the House, the case moves to the Senate for a trial. The Senate acts as the jury, and a two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove the official from office. The Senate may also vote to disqualify the individual from holding future federal office. The process is strictly a political remedy, not a criminal one, and is separate from any criminal prosecution that may follow through the courts. For more details on the constitutional framework, see Congressional Research Service.
