Final answer:
Bill Clinton knew Monica Lewinsky because she was an intern at the White House. Their connection led to a major scandal, resulting in Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives but not his removal from office.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bill Clinton knew Monica Lewinsky because she was an intern at the White House. This connection eventually led to a high-profile scandal during Clinton's presidency, as allegations of a sexual relationship between Clinton and Lewinsky surfaced. The scandal resulted in an extensive investigation by independent counsel Ken Starr, which expanded from earlier inquiries into Bill Clinton's activities in Arkansas prior to the presidency. Despite initial denials by both parties involved, evidence was provided to Starr that substantiated the affair, leading to Clinton's admission of inappropriate relations, but not of lying under oath.
The scandal played a significant role in American politics, overshadowing other national issues at the time and resulting in impeachment proceedings against Clinton. However, the Senate did not convict Clinton, and despite the impact on his legal and political career, he left office with a rather high approval rating. In the aftermath, the affair between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky remains one of the most well-known political scandals in U.S. history.