Impeachment: The Constitutional Remedy of Last Resort

This chapter recounts some of the most important lessons from the author's four stints as special impeachment counsel in the House of Representatives and highlights other historically important impeachments. Each case offers valuable lessons about one of the most important powers given to Congress by the Constitution, and one of the most high-stakes and consequential processes in American politics. There were nine members of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 who had been members of the Inns of Court in England and were familiar with the English practice. While “treason” and “bribery” were clear choices for the Framers in terms of what would qualify as an impeachable offense, “other high Crimes and Misdemeanors” was a compromise. The constitutional process of impeachment has worked well when federal officials other than the president are impeached. It is cumbersome and time-consuming, but that is as it should be. It is no small matter to remove a federal judge who has a lifetime appointment.