If you need a break, now is the time to take it. This subject is going to require your full attention. We will start with just what the Constitution itself says. The top text is from Article I sections 2 and 3 and provides the authority to the House and the Senate to perform their individual parts of the impeachment process. The bottom text is from Article 3 and provides the statement of who is to be subject to this process.
Believe it or not, that is all the Constitution says about such an important subject. Press the More button to go to background explaination on what an impeachment is, and for a look at how some of the major blanks have been filled in by interpretation. All subsidiary screens will be brought up in their own windows.
The House of Representatives shall . .have the sole Power of Impeachment.
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.