Which body has the sole power to try impeachments?

• A. The Senate
• B. The House of Representatives
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. The President

Answer: (A)

Impeachment trials are held by the Senate. The House can accuse and bring charges, but it is the Senate that conducts the trial and decides guilt or innocence. If the House approves articles of impeachment, the Senate tries the case and a conviction requires a two-thirds vote of the Senators present. For presidential impeachments, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial; for other impeachments, the presiding officer is the Vice President (President of the Senate). If convicted, the official is removed from office and may be disqualified from future office.