What does Impeachment Really Mean?

Send us Fan MailWhat does Impeachment Really Mean?Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body addresses legal charges against a government official.[1] National legislations differ regarding the definition and consequences of an impeachment. In many countries, for example those in Latin America, "impeachment" refers to a definitive destitution; an official in these jurisdictions is therefore only considered "impeached" when they have been removed from office. Conversely, in other jurisdictions such as the United States, "impeachment" refers to a previous step, that of the authority's indictment; a U.S. president impeached by the House of Representatives remains in power while charges are addressed by the Senate, and may be found not guilty. In the US:Congress derives the authority from the Constitution. The term "impeachment" is commonly used to mean removing someone from office, but it actually refers only to the filing of formal charges. If the House impeaches, the Senate then holds a trial on those charges to decide whether the officer — a president or any other federal official — should be removed and barred from holding federal office in the future.Article One of the United States Constitution gives the House of Representatives the sole power of impeachment and the Senate the sole power to try impeachments of officers of the U.S. federal government. 1. What constitutes an impeachable offense?The founders intentionally kept the term "high crimes and misdemeanors" vague, because impeachment is meant to be a political act, not a legal one. Unlike in criminal law, there are no clear rules for evaluating when a president has stepped over the constitutional line.The founders rejected the term "maladministration" as grounds for impeachment. They didn't want a president tossed out simply because Congress didn't think he was doing a good job. Alexander Hamilton said impeachable offenses were those that involved abuse of public trust. The term is generally understood to mean abuse of office that results in harm to the public.Support the Podcast:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1590358/support Closing of ReThinkBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show