How can a President be impeached?

Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Test on The Presidency. Study using flashcards, multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Be ready for your test!

A President can be impeached specifically by the House of Representatives for "high crimes and misdemeanors," as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This means that the House is responsible for bringing forth the articles of impeachment, which serve as formal charges against the President. The term "high crimes and misdemeanors" is not strictly defined, allowing Congress discretion in determining what constitutes impeachable behavior.

Once the House passes a simple majority vote on these articles, the process moves to the Senate, where a trial is conducted to decide if the President should be removed from office. However, it is critical to understand that the act of impeachment itself is solely a function of the House's action and does not require Senate involvement for the initial impeachment to occur. This process reflects the system of checks and balances established in the Constitution, allowing Congress to hold the executive branch accountable for misconduct.

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