Which body has the sole power to impeach federal officials?

The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach federal officials, which is a crucial aspect of the checks and balances in the U.S. government. This power is established in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that the House has the authority to bring charges against federal officials, including the President, for misconduct. This process is akin to an indictment in the legal system and requires a majority vote in the House.

Once the House votes to impeach, the process moves to the Senate, which conducts the trial. However, it is important to note that the Senate does not initiate impeachment; it merely holds the trial and can acquit or convict the official. The Supreme Court does not have any role in the impeachment process itself, serving instead as the highest judicial authority in the country. The President, likewise, does not have the power to impeach or influence the impeachment process directly. Understanding the role of the House in impeachment highlights the importance of legislative checks on the executive branch within the framework of the U.S. Constitution.