What is the Senate's primary role in the impeachment process?
The Senate has the sole power to conduct the trial for an official who has been impeached by the House of Representatives.
What does the Senate effectively act as during an impeachment trial?
The Senate acts as both the judge and jury in an impeachment trial.
Who presides over the impeachment trial of a President of the United States?
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial.
Who presides over the impeachment trial of a non-presidential official (like a federal judge)?
The Vice President (as President of the Senate) or the President pro tempore typically presides.
What is the role of the House of Representatives in an impeachment trial?
The House appoints 'managers' who act as prosecutors during the trial in the Senate, presenting the case for impeachment.
What vote is required in the Senate to convict and remove an official from office?
A two-thirds (2/3) supermajority vote of the senators present is required for conviction.
What are the potential punishments if the Senate convicts an official?
The only punishments the Senate can impose are removal from office and disqualification from holding any future federal office.
Does conviction in an impeachment trial result in criminal penalties like prison time?
No. Impeachment is a political process, not a criminal one. However, the convicted official can still face separate criminal charges and trials in the court system.
