What is impeachment, and what is the process?

• A. Impeachment is a formal accusation only; the Senate votes by simple majority to remove.
• B. Impeachment is the removal of a federal official by the Senate.
• C. Impeachment is the appointment of a federal officer by the House.
• D. Impeachment is charging a federal official with treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors; the House brings charges by simple majority; the Senate tries the case and removes by two-thirds vote.

Answer: (D)

Impeachment is a formal charging process used to address serious misconduct by a federal official. The Constitution sets up a two-step path: first, the House investigates and can impeach by passing articles of impeachment with a simple majority. The charges can cover things like treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors. Once impeached, the official faces a trial in the Senate, where the case is heard and witnesses may testify. A conviction and removal from office require a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Keep in mind that impeachment is the charging step, while removal is the outcome that happens only if the Senate votes to convict. In presidential cases, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court typically presides over the Senate trial.