Sunday, April 08, 2007

Let's get this show on the road!

Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution
"The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
The procedure:
Impeachment resolutions, written by members of the House, are turned over to the House Judiciary Committee which then decides the validity of the resolution, the claims within and whether the claims merit a referral to the House for a formal vote.

The House then votes on whether to hold formal impeachment hearings, a simple majority is required to proceed.

If a majority approves the measure, the House Judiciary Committee conducts and investigation to determine if enough evidence is available to warrant indictment of the President. Formal articles of impeachment are drafted, including the specific charges that are supported by evidence. The Committee must vote on each article of impeachment in order for them to be sent to the House floor.

The House votes on whether a trial in the Senate is necessary, this requires a simple majority.

If a majority approves the articles of impeachment a trial is prepared in the Senate with special members of the House acting as prosecutors.

With the Chief Justice presiding, a formal trial is held in the Senate. The President may be represented by any person he wishes. The President's presence is not required for the proceedings.

The trial may be held on the Senate floor or in a Senate Committee, which would report all matters to the Senate floor.

The trial is held, witnesses are examined and cross-examined, all questions from Senators are submitted in writing.

After the evidence and arguments are heard, the Senate deliberates in private and finally holds a public vote on whether to convict or acquit the President. A 2/3 majority is necessary for a conviction.

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