What Is Impeachment
Impeachment is a formal process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official. It does not automatically remove the official from office. Instead, it is similar to an indictment in criminal law. The U.S. House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, while the Senate conducts the trial and decides on removal.
How the Impeachment Process Works
The process typically begins with an investigation, often by a congressional committee. If evidence supports charges, the House drafts articles of impeachment and votes on them. A simple majority is required to impeach. The case then moves to the Senate for a trial, where senators act as jurors. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is needed to convict and remove the official from office.
Why Impeachment Matters
Impeachment serves as a key check on executive and judicial power. It is designed to hold high-ranking officials accountable for serious misconduct, such as abuse of office or betrayal of national trust. The process is rare and reserved for exceptional circumstances, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law. For more details, see the official overview at https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R46098.
