Impeachment in the United States
Impeachment in the United States is the constitutional process by which Congress may charge and try federal civil officers for misconduct. The House of Representatives adopts articles of impeachment by majority vote; the Senate conducts a trial and may convict by a two-thirds vote, resulting in removal and possible disqualification from future office.
Constitutional basis
- United States Constitution, Article I (House power; Senate trial); Article II (impeachable officers and grounds: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors).
Procedure
- House inquiry and adoption of articles (simple majority).
- Senate trial presided over by the Chief Justice when the president is tried.
- Conviction requires a two-thirds vote of Senators present; punishment is removal and optional disqualification.
Scope
Applies to the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, federal judges, and other civil officers.
Not removal alone
Impeachment is the accusation; removal follows only upon Senate conviction.