SECTION IV.—RESPONSIBILITY OF OFFICERS.
The president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
The word "civil" in the provision is used here in distinction from military and naval. It is generally understood that members of congress are not "civil officers" within the meaning of this provision. Military and naval officers are tried by courts-martial, and members of congress are subject to trial by the house to which they belong.
The definition of "high crimes and misdemeanors" rests with the senate. Treason is defined in the constitution, and bribery has a meaning understood by all.
There have been seven cases of impeachment before the United States
Senate. (See pages 131, 138 and 333.)
Pertinent Questions.
When, near the close of the late war, General Grant commanded all the armies of the Union, had he any superior officer? (That is, was there any officer higher in rank than he?) Who is commander-in-chief of the United States army today? Who is the highest purely military officer, and what is his rank?
Name the members of the present cabinet. If you wanted to trade with the
Indians, to whom would you make application for permission?
Can the president pardon before trial? What cases can he not pardon? Name some one pardoned by the president. Could he pardon prisoners confined for breach of state law? Where does the general government confine its prisoners?
What is the smallest number of senators that could confirm or reject a treaty? What is meant by the executive session of the senate? How could you witness the proceedings at such a session? How large a vote is necessary to confirm a nomination of the president?
What is an ambassador? A minister? A consul? What is meant by "inferior" officers? By "civil service reform?"
State the principle which seems to cover the matter of removals.
Have you read the president's last annual message? What "information" did he give to congress? What "recommendations" did he make? How was the message delivered to congress? What "extra sessions" of congress do you remember? What ones have you read about in books? When were the different extra sessions called?
Give the number of bills vetoed by each president.
Has the president ever had to adjourn congress? For how long could he do it? How is the British parliament prorogued?
Where do impeachments originate? By whom are they tried? Who may be impeached? What for? Can persons who have ceased to be officers be impeached? What is the extent of sentence? Was President Johnson impeached? How is an impeachment trial conducted? What persons have been impeached?
Prepare a tabulation telling:
1. Mode of election of president (general statement only)
2. Qualifications.
3. Term.
4. Vacancy.
5. Salary—constitutional provision; law.
6. Powers.
7. Duties.