Impeachment is an important part of how the U.S. government works to keep itself in check. It's designed to make sure that no one branch of the government gets too powerful without being held responsible.
What Is Impeachment?
Impeachment is a process where the House of Representatives, which is part of the legislative branch, can file charges against a president, vice president, or other federal officials. Then, the Senate holds a trial to decide if that official should be removed from their position.
Checks and Balances:
Power of the House: The House has the only power to impeach. This is how they keep the executive branch (like the president) in check. For example, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached for going against a law called the Tenure of Office Act.
Senate's Role: The Senate's job is to run the trial. This means they help make sure everything is fair and follows the law.
Keeping Officials Accountable: To impeach someone, the House needs a majority of votes. Then, the Senate needs two-thirds of the votes to remove that person. This shows that a lot of agreement is needed, which helps prevent silly or unfair impeachments. Leaders must be responsible to the people.
In short, impeachment is a way to make sure Congress checks the power of the executive branch. It reminds us that leaders must answer to the people they serve. It highlights the importance of working together, respecting laws, and the role of citizens in the U.S. government.
Impeachment is an important part of how the U.S. government works to keep itself in check. It's designed to make sure that no one branch of the government gets too powerful without being held responsible.
What Is Impeachment?
Impeachment is a process where the House of Representatives, which is part of the legislative branch, can file charges against a president, vice president, or other federal officials. Then, the Senate holds a trial to decide if that official should be removed from their position.
Checks and Balances:
Power of the House: The House has the only power to impeach. This is how they keep the executive branch (like the president) in check. For example, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached for going against a law called the Tenure of Office Act.
Senate's Role: The Senate's job is to run the trial. This means they help make sure everything is fair and follows the law.
Keeping Officials Accountable: To impeach someone, the House needs a majority of votes. Then, the Senate needs two-thirds of the votes to remove that person. This shows that a lot of agreement is needed, which helps prevent silly or unfair impeachments. Leaders must be responsible to the people.
In short, impeachment is a way to make sure Congress checks the power of the executive branch. It reminds us that leaders must answer to the people they serve. It highlights the importance of working together, respecting laws, and the role of citizens in the U.S. government.