What process is involved when government officials are impeached or removed from office?

The impeachment process for government officials in the United States begins in the House of Representatives, which has the sole authority to file charges, known as articles of impeachment. Once these articles are drafted and passed by a majority vote in the House, they are then sent to the Senate for trial. The Senate has the responsibility of trying the charges and acts as the courtroom for the proceedings. During this trial, Senators serve as jurors, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial if the impeachment involves the President. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to convict and subsequently remove the official from office.

Understanding this process clarifies why the correct answer pertains to the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the impeachment framework established by the U.S. Constitution. This process underscores the checks and balances within the government, ensuring that no single branch has unilateral power over the removal of officials.