Final answer:
The term impeach refers to the process of charging an official with a crime, which may lead to removal from office pending a trial. Impeachment is initiated by the House of Representatives and followed by a Senate trial for removal, with a two-thirds majority required for conviction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term impeach means to charge an official with a crime. This involves a formal process where a government official, such as the President of the United States, is accused of wrongdoing which can lead to their removal from office. The United States Constitution outlines a clear, two-step impeachment process: first, the House of Representatives may impeach the official by a simple majority vote, effectively bringing charges against them. Subsequently, the Senate holds a trial where a two-thirds majority vote is necessary for conviction and removal. Notably, impeachment itself does not automatically remove an official from office but is rather the statement of charges necessitating a trial.
The impeachment process is designed to provide checks and balances within the government, ensuring that no one is above the law and that serious abuses of power can be addressed. This mechanism reflects the constitutional principle of holding civil officers, including the President and Vice President, accountable for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."