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Impeachment Definition: Impeachment is the process by which a government official, including the President, is formally charged with misconduct while in office. It does not necessarily mean removal; it is the first step in a process that could lead to removal from office if the official is found guilty of the charges brought against them.
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Impeachment Process: The impeachment process typically involves two main steps:
- House of Representatives: The process begins in the House, where articles of impeachment are proposed. A simple majority vote is needed to impeach the official (i.e., to formally charge them with misconduct).
- Senate Trial: After impeachment in the House, the articles are sent to the Senate, which conducts a trial. Senators act as jurors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over presidential impeachment trials, and evidence is presented. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required for removal from office.
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Presidents Who Faced Impeachment:
- Andrew Johnson (1868) - Impeached but not removed (one vote short of the required two-thirds in the Senate).
- Bill Clinton (1998) - Impeached but not removed (acquitted by the Senate).
- Richard Nixon (1974) - Impeachment proceedings were initiated, but he resigned before the House could vote.
- Donald Trump (2019 and 2021) - Impeached twice, first for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress and then for incitement of insurrection; neither resulted in removal from office.
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President’s Cabinet: The Cabinet is composed of the heads of the executive departments and other key officials chosen by the President. It includes positions like the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Treasury, and Attorney General, among others. The Cabinet advises the President on various issues and helps implement federal policy.
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Franklin Roosevelt and the Executive Branch: Franklin D. Roosevelt significantly expanded the powers of the Executive Branch through his New Deal programs and policies during the Great Depression. He increased the federal government's role in the economy and social welfare, leading to a more active government in regulating the market and providing support to citizens.
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Federal Bureaucratic Structure: The federal bureaucracy consists of various departments, agencies, commissions, and organizations responsible for implementing and administering federal laws and regulations. The structure is hierarchical, with various levels of authority and responsibility. Approximately 2.1 million individuals are employed in federal civilian positions. Responsibilities include enforcing laws, implementing policies, and providing services to the public.
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Max Weber's Bureaucracy: Max Weber described bureaucracy as having a specific structure characterized by:
- A clear hierarchical authority structure
- A written set of rules and regulations
- A division of labor
- Impersonality (rules applied uniformly)
- Merit-based hiring and promotion
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Bureaucrats: Bureaucrats are individuals who work within the bureaucratic system, typically within government agencies. They carry out the daily operations and responsibilities of the government, enforce laws, and implement policies set by elected officials. Bureaucrats can be career civil servants or political appointees.
1) What does it mean for the government to impeach an official?
2) Describe the impeachment process.
3) Who are the Presidents that have faced impeachment in our country’s history? Were any of them removed from office?
4) What is the President’s Cabinet? Who serves on it?
5) What role did Franklin Roosevelt play in expanding the powers of the Executive Branch?
6) Describe the federal bureaucratic structure. How many people work for it? What is its responsibility?
7) What did German sociologist Max Weber say bureaucracy would include?
8) Who are bureaucrats?
1 answer