Who holds the "sole power of impeachment" according to the Constitution?

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

Answer: (C)

The House of Representatives holds the "sole power of impeachment" as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 2. This provision grants the House the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings against federal officials, including the President, for misconduct. The process of impeachment is critical to maintaining checks and balances within the federal government, allowing the legislative branch to hold executive officials accountable for their actions.

Once impeachment is initiated by the House, the proceedings move to the Senate, which is responsible for conducting the trial and ultimately deciding whether or not to convict and remove the official from office. This separation of powers is a fundamental aspect of the American political system, emphasizing the distinct roles and responsibilities assigned to each branch of government. The authority of the House to impeach ensures that elected representatives can respond to serious breaches of trust or illegal activities by officials.