Bill Clinton Impeached by House of Representatives
December 19th, 1998
December 19th, 1998
How Long Ago?
26 years, 2 months, 24 days ago
Location
Washington D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Bill Clinton
- Monica Lewinsky
- Kenneth Starr
- Paula Jones
Links & References
- United States House of Representatives
- Bill Clinton
- Impeachment of Bill Clinton
- Federal impeachment in the United States
Tags
Bill Clinton Impeached by House of Representatives
President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives, becoming the second U.S. president to face impeachment. The impeachment stemmed from allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice related to his extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky. The House voted largely along party lines, with two articles of impeachment approved. Clinton maintained that he did not commit any crimes.
Clinton faced charges related to a scandal.
Two articles of impeachment were approved.
The House vote was largely along party lines.
Clinton maintained his innocence throughout.
What Happened?
The impeachment of President Bill Clinton marked a significant moment in American political history, making him only the second president to be impeached, following Andrew Johnson in 1868. The impeachment process began in the wake of the scandal involving Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern, with whom Clinton had an extramarital affair. Clinton faced allegations that he lied under oath and obstructed justice during a deposition about the affair in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones. The House of Representatives, controlled by the Republican Party, initiated impeachment proceedings against Clinton after the Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr submitted his report detailing allegations against the president.
On December 19, 1998, after weeks of often divisive debate, the House voted to impeach Clinton on two articles: perjury to a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The impeachment vote was characterized by a significant partisan divide, with all but a few Democrats opposing the articles and a significant majority of Republicans supporting them. The outcome was 228 for and 206 against the first article and 221 for and 212 against the second article. Following the impeachment, the Senate trial would later conclude with Clinton's acquittal, allowing him to complete his term in office.
Why Does it Matter?
The impeachment of Bill Clinton is notable not only for its political ramifications but also for its impact on American public opinion regarding presidential conduct and accountability. It showcased the deep partisan divides that can arise in U.S. politics. Clinton's impeachment raised critical issues about the balance of power between the presidency and Congress, setting a precedent for future impeachments. The event is interesting as it captured the attention of the nation and highlighted the ongoing debates around personal character versus political performance, influencing how future officeholders would be perceived and judged.
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