Which statement describes impeachment?

Which statement describes impeachment?

• A. A formal accusation by the House of Representatives
• B. A public referendum to remove a public official
• C. A criminal indictment by a grand jury
• D. A judicial conviction by the Supreme Court

Answer: (C)

Impeachment is the process by which a public official is charged with misconduct. The House of Representatives has the authority to bring formal charges against an official—this is impeachment. It is not a public referendum, nor a criminal indictment by a grand jury, nor a judicial conviction by the Supreme Court. If the House approves articles of impeachment, the official faces a trial in the Senate; a conviction requires a two-thirds vote, which can lead to removal from office. The impeachment process operates as a political mechanism rather than a criminal proceeding in the courts.

Impeachment is the process by which a public official is charged with misconduct. The House of Representatives has the authority to bring formal charges against an official—this is impeachment. It is not a public referendum, nor a criminal indictment by a grand jury, nor a judicial conviction by the Supreme Court. If the House approves articles of impeachment, the official faces a trial in the Senate; a conviction requires a two-thirds vote, which can lead to removal from office. The impeachment process operates as a political mechanism rather than a criminal proceeding in the courts.