Which body has the power to try an impeached official?

The Senate is the body that has the power to try an impeached official, which is established in the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 3 specifies that the Senate holds the authority to conduct trials for officials impeached by the House of Representatives. During this process, Senators act as jurors, and a two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove an official from office. This separation of powers underscores the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government system, ensuring that no single branch has absolute control over the impeachment process.

The House of Representatives is responsible for bringing the articles of impeachment, but it does not have the authority to conduct the trial itself. The Supreme Court does not participate in impeachment trials, as its role is limited to judicial matters, including the interpretation of laws and the Constitution. State legislatures are not involved in the federal impeachment process at all, as it is specifically a function of the federal government.