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Glossary
Impeachment

Civics Glossary

Impeachment

Legislative

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

The process by which the House charges a federal official with "high crimes and misdemeanors." The Senate holds the trial.

Related Terms

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress with 435 members apportioned by population. Members serve 2-year terms.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members (2 per state) serving 6-year terms.

More Legislative Terms

Appropriation

A legislative act authorizing the expenditure of government funds for a specific purpose.

Bicameral

A legislature with two separate chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Bill

A proposed law introduced in Congress or a state legislature.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party or interest group to discuss strategy, select candidates, or make policy decisions.

Cloture

A Senate procedure to end debate (a filibuster) and bring a matter to a vote. Requires 60 out of 100 senators.

Committee

A subgroup of legislators assigned to review, amend, and recommend action on bills related to a specific topic.

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