This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
Impeachment is a process that has been shrouded in mystery, with the Constitution providing only vague guidelines. However, by studying past impeachment inquiries, we can gain a better understanding of how it works.
Collectively, the New York Times reporters who have covered U.S. politics for over 150 years have reported on past impeachment inquiries, noting that the three they've had so far have been full of twists and turns.
One of the key misconceptions about impeachment is that it means removal from office. In reality, impeachment is only the initial stage, and the president can still remain in office even if they are impeached.
The Constitution describes offenses that are grounds for removing the president from office as bribery, treason, and high crimes and misdemeanors. However, the framers did not provide a clear guide on how to initiate an impeachment inquiry, leaving it up to the House to decide.
For Richard Nixon, his impeachment inquiry started with several investigations that led to public hearings, which lasted for two years and yielded revelation after revelation. In contrast, Bill Clinton's impeachment inquiry began with an independent counsel's investigation into his business dealings, which unexpectedly turned into a very public inquiry about his personal life.
Public opinion plays a huge part in the impeachment process, and the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. The Clinton impeachment inquiry was a prime example of this, with the media coverage of the Starr Report being delivered to Congress being likened to the O.J. chase.
After committee hearings, the House brings formal impeachment charges, which then go to the Senate for trial. The Constitution gets more specific about this part, requiring the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over the trial and the Senate to act as the jury.
Despite the unpredictability of the impeachment process, one thing is certain: an impeachment charge has never gotten the two-thirds majority it needs in the Senate to actually oust a president from office.
