Political Dictionary
Impeachment is the House of Representatives’ formal accusation that a federal official committed impeachable misconduct.
Definition
Impeachment is a constitutional process for charging the president, vice president, or other federal civil officers with treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Impeachment by the House is similar to an accusation, not removal.
Why It Matters
It provides a mechanism for addressing serious abuse of office while separating accusation from trial.
How It Works
The House investigates and votes on articles of impeachment. If any article passes by a simple majority, the Senate conducts a trial.
History
The framers adapted impeachment from British practice. The House has impeached presidents, judges, and other officials.
Example
A federal judge may be impeached by the House and later tried in the Senate.
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