Which legislative body has the power of impeachment?

The House of Representatives has the power of impeachment, which is a crucial aspect of the checks and balances established in the U.S. Constitution. Impeachment is the process by which a federal official, including the President, can be charged with misconduct. The Constitution specifically grants the House the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings. If a simple majority of the House votes to impeach, the official is then "impeached," which is similar to an indictment in criminal law.

Following this, the process moves to the Senate, which is responsible for conducting the trial and making a determination on whether to convict or acquit the individual. It is important to understand that while both legislative bodies play critical roles in the impeachment process, only the House has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment. The involvement of the Senate comes after the House has taken its action. This separation of duties emphasizes the system of checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government, ensuring that the legislature has the necessary authority to hold officials accountable while maintaining a fair judicial process through the Senate's review.