Which branch handles impeachment, and what is required for removal from office?

Which branch handles impeachment, and what is required for removal from office?

• A. The executive branch; the President can initiate impeachment.
• B. The legislative branch; House impeaches and Senate convicts with a two-thirds vote for removal.
• C. The judiciary handles impeachment.
• D. The states hold impeachment power.

Answer: (B)

Impeachment is a legislative process. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, bringing formal charges by a simple majority. Then the Senate conducts the trial and has the sole power to convict. Removal from office occurs only if the Senate convictes by a two-thirds vote. This two-step, two-thirds standard is what ensures removal happens only with broad support, not just a simple majority. The President and other officials are not the ones who initiate impeachment through the executive branch, and impeachment isn’t handled by the judiciary or by the states.

Impeachment is a legislative process. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, bringing formal charges by a simple majority. Then the Senate conducts the trial and has the sole power to convict. Removal from office occurs only if the Senate convictes by a two-thirds vote. This two-step, two-thirds standard is what ensures removal happens only with broad support, not just a simple majority. The President and other officials are not the ones who initiate impeachment through the executive branch, and impeachment isn’t handled by the judiciary or by the states.