U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A new citizen is learning about the U.S. Congress. They want to know which body has the sole power to formally accuse a federal official, including the President, of wrongdoing.
- AThe President's Cabinet
- BThe House of Representatives
- CThe Senate
- DThe Supreme Court
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment, meaning they can formally accuse a federal official of wrongdoing. The Senate then conducts the trial.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The President's Cabinet advises the President and does not have impeachment powers.
- C. The Senate tries impeachment cases, but does not formally accuse (impeach).
- D. The Supreme Court interprets laws and hears cases, but does not impeach officials.
Impeachment Power
The power of the House of Representatives to formally accuse a federal official of 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'
- Initiated by the House of Representatives
- Requires a majority vote in the House
- Leads to a trial in the Senate
Memory trick: The House is the accuser, the Senate is the judge.