Impeachment is a constitutional process that allows a legislature to bring charges against a sitting official. The question of who begins impeachment proceedings highlights the roles of Congress, the House, and the Senate in this high-stakes accountability mechanism.
Understanding who can initiate impeachment clarifies where political power resides at the start of this process. The structure below summarizes key actors, chambers, and outcomes at each stage.
| Stage | Who Acts | Chamber | Outcome or Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiation | Member of the House of Representatives | House of Representatives | Resolution or committee referral |
| Investigation | House Judiciary Committee or selected committee | House of Representatives | Hearings, evidence gathering, markup |
| Approval | Committee and full House | House of Representatives | Articles of impeachment adoption |
| Trial | Senate | Senate sitting as a court | Acquittal or conviction and removal |
Initiation in the House of Representatives
The formal beginning of impeachment lies with members of the House of Representatives. Any single member may introduce an impeachment resolution or refer the matter to a committee, making the House the starting point of this constitutional check.
House leadership and members weigh legal standards, political considerations, and public pressure when deciding whether to move forward. The initiation phase sets the narrative and scope of the inquiry into alleged misconduct.
Role of the House Judiciary Committee
Committee Investigation and Markup
If the resolution proceeds, the House Judiciary Committee typically leads the investigation. Committee members review evidence, summon witnesses, and debate whether sufficient grounds exist for impeachment.
After investigation, the committee holds a markup session to amend and approve articles of impeachment. A majority vote in committee sends the measure to the full House for consideration.
Full House Vote on Articles
Majority Approval and Impeachment
Once the committee acts, the full House debates and votes on the articles. A simple majority is required to adopt each article and formally impeach the official.
Impeachment by the House does not remove the person from office; it functions like an indictment that shifts the matter to the Senate for trial.
Senate Trial and Removal Proceedings
Chief Justice Presides in Presidential Cases
After impeachment, the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official. Senators serve as jurors, and the Chief Justice of the United States presides when the president is tried.
A two-thirds vote in the Senate is necessary for conviction, which results in removal from office and may include a ban on future federal service.
Key Takeaways on Impeachment Initiation
- Any House member may introduce or refer an impeachment resolution.
- The House Judiciary Committee typically investigates and marks up articles.
- A simple majority in the full House is required to impeach.
- The Senate conducts a trial with the Chief Justice presiding over presidential cases.
- Conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds vote and results in removal.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a single member of Congress start impeachment?
Yes, any member of the House of Representatives can introduce a resolution or refer the matter to a committee, formally beginning the impeachment process.
Does the president have a role once impeachment begins?
The president may respond to allegations, defend in committee and on the House floor, and then face trial in the Senate where senators act as jurors.
What happens if the House votes not to impeach?
The process ends unless new evidence emerges, and the official remains in office without further action from that Congress.
Can the Senate overturn an impeachment without a trial?
No, the Senate must hold a trial to convict; the House impeachment alone does not remove an official from office.