Congress
Impeachment
Definition
The process for charging and removing federal officials, including the President. The House impeaches by a majority vote. The Senate then holds a trial, where a two-thirds vote is needed to convict and remove the official from office.
Related Terms
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of Congress with 435 voting members, apportioned among the states by population. Representatives serve two-year terms.
SenateThe upper chamber of Congress with 100 members—two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.
SupermajorityA voting threshold greater than a simple majority, such as two-thirds (to override a veto) or three-fifths (to invoke cloture in the Senate).
More Congress Terms
Common Questions
- What does "Impeachment" mean?
- The process for charging and removing federal officials, including the President. The House impeaches by a majority vote. The Senate then holds a trial, where a two-thirds vote is needed to convict and remove the official from office.
- What terms are related to impeachment?
- Related terms include: House of Representatives, Senate, Supermajority. Understanding these related concepts helps provide context for impeachment.