Impeachment

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

A formal accusation of wrongdoing against a public official. According to the United States Constitution, the House of Representatives can vote to impeach an official, but the Senate actually tries the case. The highest level of impeachment is the removal of the President of the United States. Three presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump (who was impeached twice in a single term), but no president has been convicted by the Senate and removed from office. In American history there have been only 21 impeachments, which includes three presidents, one cabinet secretary, and one senator. Of those who were impeached, only eight officials were found guilty by the Senate and removed from office. Here's what the Constitution says about impeachment. Article II, Section 4: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article I, Section 3: The Senate shall have the sole power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation.  When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside:  And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Judgment in Cases of Impeachments shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust, or Profit under the United States, but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment, and Punishment, according to Law.

Example

 
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Questions

  1. What does impeach mean?

  2. According to the U.S. Constitution, who can be impeached?

  3. According to the U.S. Constitution, who does the impeaching?

  4. According to the U.S. Constitution, what are the reasons necessary for impeachment?

  5. How does impeachment illustrate the concept of checks and balances?

  6. Explain whether impeachment can be a check on the judicial branch?

  7. Do you believe that President Trump will be impeached again?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw impeach. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Civics and AP Government Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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