Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Which governing body has the constitutional power to remove the president?

1. The Senate

2. Congress

3. The Supreme Court

4. The House of Representatives

The correct answer is: Congress

The governing body that has the constitutional power to remove the president is Congress. This process is known as impeachment, which involves both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has the exclusive authority to initiate impeachment proceedings, effectively bringing charges against the president, while the Senate holds the trial to determine whether the president should be removed from office. This two-step process emphasizes the role of Congress as a whole in overseeing the executive branch. The House's responsibility is to draft and vote on articles of impeachment, and if passed, the Senate then conducts a trial. If two-thirds of the Senate votes to convict, the president is removed from office. This framework reflects the principle of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government has unchecked power over another. The other options represent different branches or components of government that do not hold the authority to remove the president unilaterally. Understanding this role of Congress is crucial for grasping the constitutional mechanisms in place for executive accountability.