Next Step In Impeachment Process

Understand the five steps of the impeachment process against a government official for wrongdoing. Learn about the history of impreachment, and more. A clear look at how impeachment actually works, from the House vote to Senate trial, removal, and what comes next.

The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives with an inquiry, followed by drafting and voting on articles of impeachment. A simple majority in the House is needed to impeach, but a two-thirds Senate majority is required for removal from office. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives formally delivered two articles of impeachment against President Donald J.

Trump to the Senate. The next steps, according to precedent, will lay the groundwork for a trial in the Senate. The next stage is the receipt and presentation of evidence, and the impeachment rules provide little guidance regarding this process.

Actions taken at this stage have varied from trial to trial. After the House of Representatives sends its articles of impeachment to the Senate, the Senate sits as a High Court of Impeachment to consider evidence, hear witnesses, and vote to acquit or convict the impeached official. Resolution is submitted 1 The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives.

A member must submit a resolution of impeachment to the House Judiciary Committee, which will then decide if an investigation is warranted. Impeachment proceedings typically involve a preliminary investigation, followed by a vote in the House of Representatives to determine whether to proceed with formal charges. In the United States, federal impeachment is the process by which the House of Representatives charges the president, vice president, or another civil federal officer for alleged misconduct.

Once the House impeaches, the process shifts entirely to the Senate. This handoff demonstrates the Founders' intent to separate the power to accuse from the power to convict. This transfer reflects bicameralism in action.

Requiring both chambers ensures no single body can remove officials on its own.