Diplomatic Security Special Agent (DSSAT) Practice Exam

In impeachment, the process starts with charges brought by the House of Representatives, but the trial itself is held by the Senate. The House acts like the fact-finding body that formalizes the charges, while the Senate serves as the trial court, deciding whether to convict and remove from office. If the person being impeached is the President, the trial is presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; for other officials, the presiding role falls to the Vice President. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate present. Because of this two-step process, the body that conducts the trial after the initial charges is the Senate.