An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history; conviction results from whatever offense or offenses two-thirds of the other body considers to be sufficiently serious to require removal of the accused from office.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Impeachment and conviction depend on what legislative majorities decide at a given time.
- In plain terms
- Whether someone is impeached or convicted depends on political decisions in Congress.
- What can you take from it?
- Impeachment is a political process defined by current lawmakers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should impeachment be legal or political?
- How do we ensure fair accountability?
Another view
It highlights the partisan nature of impeachment without defining legal standards.
More from Gerald Ford
America now is stumbling through the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic…
Permalink to quote #2 We have come tardily to the tremendous task of cleaning up our environment. We should have moved with similar zeal at least a decade ago. But no purpose is ser…
Permalink to quote #4 Too often critics seem more intent on seeking new ways to alter Congress than to truly learn how it functions. They might well profit from the advice of Thomas…
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
What right does Congress have to go around making laws just because it deems it necessary?
Marion BarryMarion Barry quote #6 ...it is a longstanding principle that sitting national security advisers do not testify before the Congress.
Condoleezza RiceCondoleezza Rice quote #10 Congress no longer declares war or makes budgets. So that's the end of the constitution as a working machine.
Gore VidalGore Vidal quote #41