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| | '''Impeachment and removal''' are the two steps in taking a high [[government]] official, such as a [[president]] or a [[judge]], from his position. It is typically used in cases of [[malfeasance]] (see also [[recall election]]). | | '''Impeachment and removal''' are the two steps in taking a high [[government]] official, such as a [[president]] or a [[judge]], from his position. It is typically used in cases of [[malfeasance]] (see also [[recall election]]). |
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| − | The first step, ''impeachment'', is a formal accusation by a simple majority of the [[House of Representatives]]. This vote leaves the accused in office, while he is "tried" by the [[Senate]]. A two-thirds majority there results in removal from office. | + | The first step, ''impeachment'', is a formal accusation by a simple majority of the [[House of Representatives]]. This vote leaves the accused in office, while he is "tried" by the [[Senate]]. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is necessary in order to remove someone from office. |
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| − | Sixteen federal officials have been impeached (i.e., charged) by the
| + | In all of American history, "Two Presidents, one Senator, one cabinet officer, and fifteen judges have been impeached, and of those only eight judges have been convicted and removed from office."<ref name="Const Ctr">https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/article-ii/clauses/349</ref> |
| − | House of Representatives, but the Senate has removed (i.e., convicted) only seven. [http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0764613.html]
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| − | The [[United States House of Representatives]] has "sole power of impeachment." The House has to vote on articles of impeachment. If they pass by a majority, the President is not yet removed from office, until (and unless) the next step is completed. | + | The [[United States House of Representatives]] has "sole power of impeachment." The votes on articles of impeachment for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”<ref name="Const Ctr"/> If that passes by a simple majority, the President is not yet removed from office, until (and unless) the next step is completed. |
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| − | The impeachment case is sent to the [[United States Senate]] for trial. If the Senate votes by a two-thirds majority to convict, then the person will be removed from office. | + | The impeachment case is sent to the [[United States Senate]] for trial, over which the Chief Justice of the United States presides. If the Senate votes by a two-thirds majority to convict, then the person will be removed from office. |
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| | In impeachment cases against the [[President of the United States|President]], the Chief Justice of the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] shall preside. | | In impeachment cases against the [[President of the United States|President]], the Chief Justice of the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] shall preside. |