Impeachment removes the president, vice president, cabinet members, and federal judges who abuse their authority. The House impeaches by simple majority vote, and the Senate conducts the trial, requiring two-thirds majority to convict and remove.
Article II, Section 4 specifies grounds: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. This phrase is deliberately broad, covering serious abuses of official power, betrayal of public trust, and obstruction of constitutional order—not just indictable crimes.
When the House impeaches, the Judiciary Committee investigates, holds hearings, and drafts articles. The full House votes on each article. If any pass, the Senate conducts a trial with House managers prosecuting and the accused presenting a defense.
Conviction automatically removes the official from office. The Senate may also disqualify them from holding future federal office by separate majority vote.
Four presidential impeachments show this process. Andrew Johnson (1868) was acquitted by one vote. Bill Clinton (1998) was acquitted on perjury and obstruction articles. Donald Trump was impeached twice—once for pressuring Ukraine, once for inciting January 6—and acquitted both times. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the full House could vote.
Since 1789, Congress has impeached 21 officials, including four presidents and 15 judges. Eight have been convicted and removed—all federal judges.