At the federal level, Article II of the US Constitution (Section 4) states that "The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors."
The House of RepresentativesUnder Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, the House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach (bring charges against) federal officials.The impeachment process is similar to a grand jury indictment in a criminal trial, in that the House doesn't vote on guilt or innocence, but on whether there is a legitimate reason to try an official on specific charges (called Articles of Impeachment). If a simple majority of the House votes for impeachment, the official proceeds to trial in the Senate.The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach federal officials. The House of Representatives has this power under Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution.
congress
To allow the orderly removal of federal officials who were incompetent / corrupt / criminal.
The House and Senate in separate proceedings
The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 states, in part, that the President "shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."
The framers of the Constitution felt it was important for the people to have a way to peacefully remove individuals that were abusing their power. Keep in mind, the framers had just fought a long war because there was no way for them to remove their king apart from open revolt and violence.
No. The power of impeachment belongs solely to the House of Representatives, part of the Legislative Branch.
Bill of Rights first amendment.
The power to impeach presidents, judges, and civil servants is an explicit authority granted to Congress. The legislative branch can draft articles of impeachment and try the accused before them.
It is the tenth amendment to the constitution.
Article 2, Section 2 of the United States Constitution describes ratification power. It's part of the Treaty Clause which empowers the president to engage in negotiations with other countries. These treaties can only become law if both congressional houses pass it by a majority vote.
Impeachment originates in the House of Representatives by member who feel that the President is acting unlawfully, corruptly, imcompetently, and so forth. The House also votes on impeachment. After there is a successful impeachment, the Senate then debates the issue, and can either decide either on conviction and removal from office, or to not convict.