A president gets impeached through a constitutional process involving both the House of Representatives and the Senate:
- Investigation and Inquiry : The process often begins with an investigation or impeachment inquiry in the House, typically conducted by the House Judiciary Committee to examine allegations of wrongdoing.
- Articles of Impeachment : If the investigation finds sufficient grounds, the House drafts articles of impeachment, which are formal charges against the president. These charges can be for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors" as specified by the Constitution.
- House Vote : The full House of Representatives votes on the articles of impeachment. A simple majority vote is required to approve any article. If at least one article is approved by a majority, the president is officially impeached. This is analogous to an indictment in criminal law.
- Senate Trial : After impeachment by the House, the process moves to the Senate, which holds a trial to determine whether to convict the president on the charges. The Chief Justice of the United States presides over the trial if the president is the one impeached.
- Senate Vote : Conviction and removal from office require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. If convicted, the president is removed from office and may also be barred from holding future federal office.
- Outcome : If the Senate acquits, the president remains in office. If convicted, the president is removed immediately.
This process is designed as a political and legal remedy to address serious misconduct and maintain constitutional government, not as a criminal punishment. The president can still face criminal prosecution after removal from office if applicable
. Summary of key points:
- Impeachment charges brought by House majority vote.
- Senate holds trial, requiring two-thirds vote to convict.
- Grounds include treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors.
- Removal from office follows conviction by Senate.
- Chief Justice presides over presidential impeachment trials
