Teaching Students About the Trump Impeachment Vote
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Introduction:
The impeachment of a president is a historic event, and it’s essential to help students understand the context, process, and significance of these proceedings. With the impeachment vote for former President Trump having taken place twice during his tenure, it is important to shed some light on this topic and teach students about its impact on American politics.
Background on Impeachment:
Begin by explaining to students what impeachment is – a constitutional process designed as a check on executive power, allowing Congress to remove a sitting president from office for committing “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Emphasize that impeachment is rare in American history – only three presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.
Trump’s Impeachment Votes:
Next, delve into the specific circumstances surrounding Trump’s two impeachment votes. In 2019, he was impeached primarily due to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The impetus for this was his alleged request for Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, his political rival. The second impeachment vote took place in 2021 following the violent insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6th. This time, he was charged with incitement of insurrection.
The Impeachment Process:
Illustrate the step-by-step process of impeachment for your students. Explain how it begins in the House of Representatives, where a majority vote is required for impeachment. Then, the Senate conducts a trial with members of the House serving as prosecutors. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is needed to convict and remove the president from office.
Discussing Key Themes:
Encourage students to debate key themes surrounding the impeachment votes, such as abuse of power, checks and balances in government, and the role that political parties play in these processes. Facilitate conversations about whether or not they believe it was justified to impeach Trump, while prompting students to think about their reasons for holding that opinion.
Long-term Implications:
Lastly, engage students in a discussion about the potential long-term implications of Trump’s impeachments. How might this affect the presidency and political norms moving forward? Consider the impact on international relations, as well as on the incoming administrations that must deal with the implications, controversies, and political divisions stemming from these proceedings.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about the Trump impeachment vote is an opportunity for educators to foster critical thinking skills and stimulate important discussions surrounding American politics. By providing historical context, outlining the process, and encouraging examination of key themes and long-term implications, educators can help students develop a comprehensive understanding of this significant moment in history.