20 Posts
The U.S. Constitution permits Congress to remove the president from office for "treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors.” The term “high crimes and misdemeanors” came out of the British common law tradition that enabled Parliament to remove crown officials for centuries. Essentially, an abuse of power by a high-level public official - not necessarily an act in violation of an ordinary criminal statute. With such unclear standards, it seems impeachment is built on political norms and judgment calls as much as it is legal investigation. What happens when these norms are broken? In his essays in the federalists papers, Alexander Hamilton noted the divisive consequences of this process. How does impeachment impact the stability of the country? With an impeachment inquiry underway, check out some key readings explaining the process:
- In a hyper-partisan landscape, what is a non-partisan guide to impeachment? Cass Sunstein dives into the history of the act, the meaning behind "high crimes and misdemeanors", and more on Aspen Ideas To-Go.
- As former special counsel to President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 1999, Lanny Breuer has intimate knowledge of an impeachment investigation. In his open letter to President Trump's White House counsel, he addressed the moral obligation to cooperate with the investigation and the consequences to the U.S.'s delicate checks and balances if not.
- What events are in play for the inquiry? Democrats plan to vote on articles of impeachment by Thanksgiving - November 28. That is six weeks to hear testimony, compile evidence, and determine which, if any, offenses move forward for a full House vote. This article from the Atlantic explores what's on the table.
- Impeachment is a complex process. Here are a few resources for parents to help their kids make sense of it all:
- Time for Kids Explains: A Guide to Impeachment - Q&A Format
- From the New York Times - How the Impeachment Process Works
Replies