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There have been a total of 20 impeachments by the House, 15 of whom were federal judges.  Eight of those impeached federal judges were then removed from office by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Senate.  A Senator himself was once impeached by the House in 1797, and then expelled by the Senate.  Ironically, that impeached Senator (William Blount) was an original signer of the Constitution!

There have been a total of 20 impeachments by the House, 15 of whom were federal judges.  Eight of those impeached federal judges were then removed from office by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Senate.  A Senator himself was once impeached by the House in 1797, and then expelled by the Senate.  Ironically, that impeached Senator (William Blount) was an original signer of the Constitution!

Notice that the president has no role in the impeachment power.  This is another example of authority given only to the legislative branch.  The Chief Justice of the United States, however, does preside over the removal proceeding in the Senate once an impeachment is ordered by the House.

Notice that the president has no role in the impeachment power.  This is another example of authority given only to the legislative branch.  The Chief Justice of the United States, however, does preside over the removal proceeding in the Senate once an impeachment is ordered by the House, if the officer impeached is the President.  In all other cases, the Vice-President (as President of the Senate) presides over the trial.

What is the source of the phrase "high Crimes and Misdemeanors" come?  George Mason, a delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention, suggested it.  In English law it mean crimes against government that were committed by public officials.

What is the source of the phrase "high Crimes and Misdemeanors" come?  George Mason, a delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention, suggested it.  In English law it mean crimes against government that were committed by public officials.