In impeachment trials, what is the required vote to remove a federal official from office?

In impeachment trials, what is the required vote to remove a federal official from office?

• A. Simple majority
• B. Two-thirds
• C. Three-fifths
• D. Unanimous

Answer: (B)

Two-thirds of the Senators present must vote to convict and remove a federal official. The Constitution gives the House the power to impeach by a simple majority and the Senate the power to try and remove, with removal only if two-thirds of the Senators present vote to convict. This high threshold is meant to secure broad consensus before removing someone from office. For example, if 100 Senators are present, 67 must vote to convict; if 80 are present, 54 must vote. The other options don’t fit because a simple majority governs impeachment in the House, not removal; a three-fifths rule isn’t the standard for impeachment removal; and unanimity, while possible, is not required.

Two-thirds of the Senators present must vote to convict and remove a federal official. The Constitution gives the House the power to impeach by a simple majority and the Senate the power to try and remove, with removal only if two-thirds of the Senators present vote to convict. This high threshold is meant to secure broad consensus before removing someone from office. For example, if 100 Senators are present, 67 must vote to convict; if 80 are present, 54 must vote. The other options don’t fit because a simple majority governs impeachment in the House, not removal; a three-fifths rule isn’t the standard for impeachment removal; and unanimity, while possible, is not required.