The recent events that have transpired in the United States of America has seen the country’s 45th president, Donald Trump, being impeached twice by the House of Representatives. This is the first time in U.S. history that a president has faced impeachment twice. The charges brought against him include “incitement of insurrection”, following the dramatic events of 6th January 2021 when the U.S. Congress was convened to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. A mob loyal to then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to subvert the election outcome.
Mechanism of Impeachment in the USA
It’s important to discuss how the impeachment process works in the American political system. The United States Congress, comprising two distinct bodies – the Senate and the House of Representatives, plays a crucial role here. The Senate comprises two senators from each state, regardless of its size, while the House of Representatives sees its members elected based on the state’s population.
Grounds for Presidential Impeachment
The Constitution of the United States outlines the reasons under which a sitting president can be removed from office. These include conviction for high crimes such as treason, bribery or other severe offences. Conviction of misdemeanours can also act as grounds for impeachment.
Past Impeachments in the USA
Thus far, three U.S. presidents have faced impeachment proceedings from the House – Donald Trump in 2019, Bill Clinton in 1998, and Andrew Johnson in 1868. However, all three were acquitted by the Senate and thus, no president has ever been forcibly removed from office through impeachment.
Mechanism of Presidential Impeachment in India
In contrast, the impeachment process in India operates differently. Here, a President can only be removed on grounds of ‘violation of the Constitution’. The Indian Constitution does not conclusively define what constitutes a ‘violation of the Constitution’, leaving room for interpretation. The initiation of impeachment charges can be led by either house of the Indian Parliament – the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
Comparative Analysis: Impeachment in the USA and India
The key difference between the impeachment process in the USA and India lies in the grounds for impeachment and the bodies that initiate the process. In the USA, high crimes, misdemeanours, treason, and bribery justify impeachment, while in India, impeachment is strictly for ‘violation of the Constitution’. In the United States, the House of Representatives initiates the impeachment process, whereas in India, either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha can initiate the process.
The recent impeachment of Donald Trump has offered a timely opportunity to understand how the impeachment mechanism works and its significance in preserving the democratic values and constitutional integrity of a nation. It’s worth noting that while these processes vary from country to country, they serve the same purpose – to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the sanctity of the highest office in the land.
