Jason Stevens
Feb. 24 marks the 150th anniversary of the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, who succeeded to the presidency in 1865 after the death of Abraham Lincoln.
Today, “impeachment” has become synonymous with “removal from office.” But impeachment only refers to the legal process whereby charges are brought against the accused, similar to the indictment power of a grand jury.
Test your knowledge of impeachment with this quiz from the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University in Ohio.
1. Besides Andrew Johnson, who is the only other president to be impeached?
A: Richard Nixon B: James Buchanan C: Bill Clinton D: Gerald Ford
2. According to the Constitution, who is responsible for bringing charges of impeachment?
A: The attorney general appoints a “special prosecutor,” who has the power to impeach.
B: The House of Representatives C: The Senate
D: The House of Representatives and Senate voting together
3. After charges of impeachment, what political body holds the trial?
A: The Supreme Court
B: The House of Representatives C: The Senate
D: The House of Representatives and Senate together
4. Who is subject to impeachment?
A: The president only
B: The president and vice president C: The president, vice president, and all civil officers of the United States except the judiciary
D: The president, vice president, and all civil officers of the United States including the judiciary
5. Who presides over the trial if the president is impeached? If someone other than the president is impeached?
A: Chief justice of the Supreme Court; vice president
B: Vice president; chief justice of the Supreme Court
C: The chief justice always presides, unless he is the one on trial D: The vice president always presides, unless he is the one on trial
6. What are the legal grounds for impeachment?
A: Treason, bribery, or corruption B: Treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors C: Dereliction of duty D: Malpractice and maladministration
7. In order to remove an official from office, how many members present at the trial must vote to convict?
A: 1/2
B: 2/3
C:3/4
D: The vote must be unanimous
1-C, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-A,
Answers:
6-B, 7-B