1. Recall, Appoint and Impeach
How can public officials acquire and lose their offices?

2. Recall
Definition- The process of removing a public official from office by voting
Recalls and recall elections are very rare
Sometimes people want to remove and elected official before his or her term end
Why would someone want a public official out of office?

3. How does the recall process occur?
Citizens use the recall process
1. They draw up a petition
2. They get a large number of signatures
3. The petition must be certain legal requirements
4. The recall issue is placed on the ballot
5. If a majority of voters approve, the person must leave office
Has this happened recently?

4. Impeachments
Definition- A charge of wrongful conduct of a public official
The Legislative Branch/Congress deals with impeachments
1973: Nixon/Watergate Scandal, because of this a committee was formed to investigate activities of the executive branch

5. Nixon/Watergate Scandal
The White House staff investigated because of a break-in at the Watergate Hotel
They tried to get the tape recording of Nixon’s talks with staff members regarding the break in
Nixon refused
It went to the Supreme Court
They ordered the tapes to be released; the House of Representatives was set to debate the
Nixon resigned in 1974, the charges were later dropped

6. Appointments
Definition- To name or choose a person for an office, but not by an election
A president can appoint officials:
Ambassadors, Judges, Supreme Court Judges
Only key officials can appoint
Congress must confirm the president’s appointments
Appointments require a majority vote for approval