what is impeachment 
impeachment as authorized by article ii section 4 of the u s constitution is the formal process that allows congress to bring charges of treason bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors against high ranking civil officers such as the president 1the power to impeach serves as the first step in an important check on the executive and judicial branches of government regarding violations of law and abuses of power when impeached by the house of representatives the official goes on trial and if convicted by the senate is removed from office 2