Impeachment

impeachment

the formal accusation that launches a trial, which could end in conviction or acquittal

history of impeachment

originated in the UK, where it allowed Parliament to vote on removing govt. officials from office.

However, the king could not be impeached because of the monarch was considered the source of all govt. power

impeachment is a power of…

Congress

Step One: refer the matter to a…

committee

normally the House Committee and House Committee on the Judiciary

the house will hold a separate vote on each of the specific charges, known as…

Articles of Impeachment

in order for the official to be impeached…

a simple majority must be passed

where is the impeachment held

at the senate

who presides if the president or vice president is impeached

the chief justice of the SC will preside

what is necessary for conviction

a supermajority of 2/3

what does the Constitution specify as reasons for impeachment

one can only be impeached for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors

impeachment example

richard nixon — resigned before he could be impeached b/c he knew it was coming

impeachment can be seen as an _____________ _________ when the checks and balances safeguards fail

emergency break