There are a lot of questions swirling around about impeachment. The lack of a solid civics education in this country has left a lot of Americans to wonder what is impeachment, what is it for, what does it do, and will it remove the president from office.
What is an impeachment inquiry?
An impeachment inquiry is when evidence is gathered, and hearings are held to find out if there has been enough wrongdoing for an office holder, in this case, the president, to be impeached. There is no constitutional requirement for an impeachment inquiry, nor is there a requirement to hold a vote to approve an impeachment inquiry.
Where in the Constitution is impeachment mentioned?
“The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.” —Article I, Section 2, Clause 5
“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.” —Article, Section 3, Clause 6
“Judgment in Cases of Impeachment 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.” —Article, Section 3, Clause 7
When the House of Representatives votes to impeach, will the president be removed from office?
No, once impeached the process moves over to the Senate where there will be a trial. To remove him from office the Senate must vote to convict with a two-thirds majority.
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