Legislature can charge against a civil officer for crimes said to have been committed bribery, treason or other high crimes. It does not mean removal from office; it is only a statement of charges, similar to indictment in criminal law.

Two presidents, Bill Clinton, and Andrew Johnson were impeached, but the Senate voted not to convict any of them. After the Judiciary Committee approved 3 articles of impeachment Nixon resigned but before the House voted on them. Vice President takes over if a president is impeached.

In Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, treason is specifically limited to levying war against the US or adhering to their Enemies, giving them comfort and aid. Conviction requires two witnesses or a confession in open court.

Impeachment is a 3 step procedure at the federal level. The following are the three steps,

Investigation by the Congress: Beginning in the House Judiciary Committee, but may begin elsewhere.

Voting by the House of Representatives: They have to pass, by a majority of those present and voting, the articles of impeachment, that constitute the formal allegations. Based on the passage, the defendant will be "impeached".

By the Senate: The Senate investigates the accused person. The Chief Justice of the US presides over the proceedings in the case of any impeachment of a president. The result of conviction is removal of the civil officer from office.

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3 years ago