How does impeachment work in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate?

The impeachment process in the United States is a two-step constitutional procedure designed to address the misconduct of federal officials, including the president, vice president, and other civil officers.1

The House of Representatives: Formal Charges

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the "sole Power of Impeachment". Because the U.S. Constitution does not prescribe a specific investigative path, the House may utilize committees, special panels, or direct action by members to draft articles of impeachment—formal allegations of "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors". Once these articles are drafted, the House votes; a simple majority is required to formally impeach the official. Impeachment is essentially an indictment; it does not remove the individual from office.21

The Senate: Trial and Judgment

Following impeachment, the U.S. Senate holds the sole power to try the case. Representatives from the House act as prosecutors ("managers"), while the accused may employ defense counsel. The Senate establishes its own trial procedures via resolution. Conviction requires a two-thirds supermajority of the members present. If convicted, the official is removed from office, and the Senate may further vote to disqualify them from holding future federal office.34