Impeachment

Definition

Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body, particularly the U.S. Congress, brings charges against a government official, including the President, for misconduct while in office. It serves as a check on executive power and is initiated by the House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the Senate. This constitutional mechanism underscores the principle of accountability in government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impeachment is not synonymous with removal from office; it is merely the first step in a two-part process that includes both impeachment by the House and a trial in the Senate.
2. Only two U.S. Presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998; Richard Nixon faced imminent impeachment but resigned before it could occur.
3. The Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove an impeached official from office.
4. Impeachment has often been viewed as a political process, leading to debates about its implications for democracy and governance.
5. The Watergate scandal played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of impeachment, highlighting its importance in upholding constitutional norms and accountability.

Review Questions

• What is the impeachment process and how does it function as a check on executive power?
  • The impeachment process involves two main steps: first, the House of Representatives drafts and votes on articles of impeachment, which are formal charges against an official. If approved, the articles move to the Senate, where a trial occurs to determine if the official should be removed from office. This mechanism acts as a crucial check on executive power by holding officials accountable for misconduct and preventing abuse of authority.
• Discuss the significance of 'high crimes and misdemeanors' in relation to the impeachment process and provide examples of what might be considered such offenses.
  • 'High crimes and misdemeanors' serve as the constitutional standard for impeachable offenses. This phrase encompasses serious abuses of power or breaches of public trust, such as corruption, bribery, or gross negligence. The ambiguity surrounding this term has led to varying interpretations over time, as seen in historical impeachments where differing views on misconduct influenced political outcomes and decisions regarding accountability.
• Evaluate the impact of the Watergate scandal on public perception of impeachment and its implications for future political accountability in the United States.
  • The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on public perception of impeachment, showcasing its critical role in maintaining political accountability. It highlighted how executive misconduct could threaten democratic principles and led to increased scrutiny of presidential actions. This event set a precedent for future impeachment discussions and reinforced the idea that no official is above the law, shaping expectations around ethical conduct in governance and influencing subsequent political discourse surrounding accountability.

Related terms

Articles of Impeachment: Formal allegations or charges against an official that outline the specific actions that warrant impeachment.

Senate Trial: The phase in the impeachment process where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the impeached official from office.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The standard used in impeachment proceedings, referring to serious violations of public trust and abuse of power.