During the impeachment process, what role does the Senate play?

The Senate plays a crucial role in the impeachment process by conducting the trial after the House of Representatives has impeached an official. In this capacity, the Senate is responsible not only for overseeing the trial but also for determining whether the official should be convicted or acquitted based on the evidence presented. This trial is conducted much like a court proceeding, with members of the Senate acting as jurors.

The process begins with the House of Representatives voting to impeach an official, meaning they have decided there is sufficient reason to charge that official with misconduct. Once the House has taken this action, the articles of impeachment are then sent to the Senate, which holds the trial. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to convict an official, which would lead to their removal from office. This significant responsibility underscores the Senate's role as a check on the impeachment powers of the House and ensures that the process is handled judiciously and fairly.