During impeachment proceedings, which body holds the trial?

The Senate is the body that holds the trial during impeachment proceedings. In the U.S. system of government, impeachment is a two-step process. The House of Representatives is responsible for bringing charges of impeachment, which is analogous to an indictment in criminal law. After the House votes to impeach, the process moves to the Senate, which conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official from office.

During the Senate trial, senators act like jurors, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial if the impeachment involves the President. A two-thirds majority of the Senate is required to convict and remove the official being impeached. This system embodies the principle of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government holds total power over the impeachment process, with the House and Senate playing distinct but complementary roles.