1. SSCG14 The student will explain the impeachment process and its usage for elected officials.
a. Explain the impeachment process as defined in the US Constitution.
b. Describe the impeachment proceedings of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.
Does the legislative branch or the executive branch have more power? Explain.

2. Impeachment Impeach—formally accuse of wrongdoing Starts in HOR
Does not mean to remove from office
Can only happen to president, vice president, and federal judges
Starts in HOR
Starts in a committee
Vote to go to trial for breaking the law
Only happened to two presidents: Andrew Johnson & Bill Clinton
Trial happens in Senate
Senate acts as jury
VP acts as judge EXCEPT when he is on trial or when president is on trial
WHY?
When this happens, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court becomes the judge
Need 2/3rds vote to remove a president from office
No presidents have ever been removed from office

3. Andrew Johnson President after Lincoln’s assassination
Major struggle between Congress and presidential power
Congress passes the Tenure of Office Act
Johnson fires Edwin Stanton in direct violation of Tenure of Office Act
HOR votes to impeach
Senate trial results in acquittal by 1 vote
Johnson stays in office

4. Bill Clinton
While Governor of Arkansas, he was accused of sexual harassment
Becomes president
Meets Monica Lewinski
Put on trial for issues in Arkansas
Claims “There IS nothing happening with that woman” discussing Lewinski
HOR starts impeachment process
Charges are perjury (lying under oath) and obstruction of office (others lied for him)
Trial in the Senate
Did not get 2/3rds majority vote to remove from office
Finishes his second term

5. Writing Assignment
Has impeachment been used as a proper check on presidential power? Why or why not?
Make sure to reference the 2 trials discussed
Grammar and spelling will count

6. If you choose 1 president, you need an IN DEPTH analysis for your grade for each of his roles. If you choose presidents to compare, you will need less information for each but a good comparison of the presidents you chose.