Quiz

BuzzFeed Contributor

BuzzFeed

Can You Answer These 10 Basic Questions About Impeachment?

The impeachment process is really more of an indictment than anything else. In the US, there have been [19 impeachment trials](https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Senate_Impeachment_Role.htm#4) on the federal level, but only eight convictions.

Though high profile impeachment cases usually involve federal government officials, state governments can also impeach their elected officials, [including governors](https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-05-16/what-is-impeachment-and-how-does-someone-get-impeached).

According to the Constitution, who can be impeached?

The "high crimes and misdemeanors" part is [a carry-over from British parliamentary law](https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/05/a-primer-on-the-impeachment-power/527052/) and doesn't have a clear definition, which has led to partisan quibbling in the past.

What does the Constitution say impeachable offenses are?

Articles of impeachment were drafted against [three U.S. Presidents](https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Senate_Impeachment_Role.htm#4): Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton.

The House of Representatives is the [only government body](https://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm#a1_sec2) with the power to impeach a federal official. Usually the House Judiciary committee will review the charges, which can be brought by any member of the House.

How does the impeachment process start at a federal level?

While the House begins the impeachment process, the Senate is [the body that gets to hear the case](https://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm#a1_sec2) and rule on a decision.

Who has the sole power to try a federal impeachment case?

The Judiciary Committee had approved [three articles of impeachment](http://watergate.info/impeachment/articles-of-impeachment): obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. But just before the House could vote on a trial, Nixon resigned on August 9th, 1974.

Which president resigned before facing trial?

During the Senate hearing, some members of the House act as the prosecution and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court [oversees proceedings](https://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm#a1_sec2).

Who presides over the Senate when a presidential impeachment trial is underway?

This is known as a supermajority, which is only required in the Senate for [certain situations](https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/98-779.pdf), like ratifying an amendment or overriding a presidential veto.

How is a ruling reached in federal impeachment trials?

If found guilty, an official is removed from their post and can be barred from holding future office, but won't serve any jail time. A separate criminal case would have to be filed for that to happen.

True or false: An impeachment trial is a criminal trial.

Don't worry, the world of impeachment is wild and weird. Take the quiz again to test what you've learned!

Nice! You've got a decent understanding of what goes on during an impeachment, but you're no lawyer. We can't all be!

Whoa, you did really well! Are you a high school civics teacher or a disgruntled member of Congress? You clearly know your stuff.

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Can You Answer These 10 Basic Questions About Impeachment?

Share This Article