[3] An impeachment is a solemn accusation in writing, formally charging a public officer with crime. "The articles of impeachment are a sort of indictment; and the House, in presenting them, acts as a grand jury, and also as a public prosecutor." [Footnote: Story's Exposition of the Constitution of the United States.]
For further discussion of impeachment, see pages 138, 203 and 331. A very interesting account of the impeachment trial of Secretary Belknap is given in Alton's Among the Lawmakers, pages 245-250. Mr. B. is hidden under a fictitious name.
On impeachment, see also Wilson's Congressional Government, page 275.
WRITTEN EXERCISE.
Each member of the class should prepare a tabulation like this, filling out the blanks briefly.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
I. NUMBER—
1. Based upon.
2. Limitations.
(a)
(b)
II. QUALIFICATIONS.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
III. ELECTION—
IV. TERM—
Y. VACANCY—
Pertinent Questions.
What is a constitution? A law? A preamble? How many of the reasons assigned in the preamble for establishing this government are general and how many are special?
How many houses do most legislative bodies have? How many did the congress under the confederation have? Why? Why has congress two houses?