Trial and error

Add comment December 18th, 2008

Given the current plight of Illinois’ governor, this might be a good time to bone up on impeachment.

In general, to impeach is to challenge or accuse. At the federal level, the House of Representatives has the power to impeach; that is, to bring formal charges against a public official.

Two presidents have been impeached (so far): Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. However, neither was removed from office, because in each case the Senate did not vote to convict.

Members of the Illinois House of Representatives have begun to look at whether to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich. If the House impeaches him, it will be up to the state Senate to try him.

It’s important to remember that someone who has been impeached has only been accused of misconduct. It’s not a great thing to have on your resume, but it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. At least, nothing you were actually found guilty of.