The Constitution gives Congress the power to impeach federal officials. An official can be impeached for treason, bribery, and “other high crimes and misdemeanors.” The House of Representatives brings articles (charges) of impeachment against an official. Learn more about the House’s role in impeachment.
If the House adopts the articles by a simple majority vote, the official has been impeached.
The Senate holds an impeachment trial. In the case of a president, the U.S. Supreme Court chief justice presides. Learn more about the Senate’s role in the impeachment process.
If found guilty, the official is removed from office. They may never be able to hold elected office again.
If they are not found guilty, they may continue to serve in office.
Learn more about impeachment, including its history and how the U.S. Constitution grants impeachment powers to Congress.