The Constitution separates impeachment from criminal prosecution, treating them as fundamentally different proceedings with distinct purposes and consequences. Impeachment is a remedial political process focused on removing officials from office, not a punitive criminal proceeding. The Senate trial resembles a civil service termination appeal rather than a criminal trial, requiring a two-thirds supermajority to convict but resulting only in removal from office and potential disqualification from future positions. Criminal proceedings occur separately in regular courts, where ex-officials face potential fines and jail time for the same conduct that triggered impeachment. The Fifth Amendment''s double jeopardy clause doesn''t apply because impeachment isn''t a criminal punishment, allowing both impeachment and subsequent criminal prosecution without constitutional conflict. The House holds sole impeachment power while the Senate conducts trials, but neither body can impose criminal penalties. This separation ensures accountability through two independent tracks: political removal via Congress and criminal liability via courts.