Muskingum University Students Study Impeachment Process

NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Members of the US Senate were back in action
today after a very late night of hearing opening statements regarding
the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. While the
second phase of impeachment continues in Washington, D.C.–area
college students from Muskingum University are taking the opportunity
to learn more about the process. Professor Brian King, with the
Muskingum University Political Science Department, says the process
can be difficult to follow.

“If according to
the House there are impeachment articles, then it moves over to the
US Senate and the Senate then acts as a jury with the Chief Justice
of the US Supreme Court presiding. And, the House has a team that is
essentially the prosecution and the White House has a team that’s
essentially the defense.”

Students are being
reminded that the impeachment process impacts the lives of all
Americans; not just those in the White House and Congress.

“This is our
system. The country should belong to ‘We the People’. If we’re
not paying attention, if we’re not up on the information, if we’re
not making our voice heard, if we’re not inserting ourselves into
the process as responsible and active citizens—we’ve given it
away. We’ve given away ownership of our system. It’s the free
exchange of ideas and it’s wonderful to hear students talk about
issues like this—whether it be in a classroom, or in an office
setting, or in a dining hall or something like that—to hear
students talking about these issues; and maybe—even if, and maybe
especially if they disagree.”

The impeachment
process is formally dictated by the United States Constitution. At
least 67 members of the Senate must vote in favor of conviction in
order for the President to be removed from office.