U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics test applicant is asked about the process of impeaching a federal official. Which body has the sole power to impeach (formally accuse) a President or other federal official?
- AThe President's Cabinet
- BThe U.S. Senate
- CThe House of Representatives
- DThe Supreme Court
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The House of Representatives
Under the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives has the 'sole Power of Impeachment' (Article I, Section 2). This means that only the House can formally bring charges against a federal official, including the President.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The President's Cabinet advises the President and does not have impeachment power.
- B. The Senate conducts the trial and votes to remove, but does not impeach.
- D. The Supreme Court interprets laws and hears cases, but does not impeach.
Impeachment Power
The power to formally accuse a federal official, including the President, of wrongdoing, which belongs solely to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- House of Representatives has sole power.
- Impeachment is a formal accusation.
- Senate conducts the trial for removal.
Memory trick: Impeachment: 'House accuses, Senate reviews, President loses (maybe)!'