Enlightenment Essentials:

What is Impeachment?

• According to the Constitution of the United States, impeachment is an accusation of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
• The House of Representatives has "the sole power of impeachment" (i.e., accusation).
• The Senate has "the sole power to try all impeachments", and can convict by a two-thirds vote. In cases of an impeachment trial of the President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides.
• In cases of an impeachment conviction, the penalty is removal from office.
• "In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." If the positions of both President and Vice President are vacant, the Senate chooses a temporary President (President pro tempore).