Legislative Branch

Source:


Rob Blagoevich's Impeachment January 30, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-impeachment-removal,0,5791846.story





Constitutional Connection:


Article 1 Section 5 Clause 2
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.





Explanation of Connection:


While times in America are hard, the government has still been concious of officials and their work in office. Rob Blagojevich (IL) ex governor was impeached January 30, 2009 for charges of scandal and an abusement of his power. The corruption charges among many he was accused of, was him trying to sell the vacant senate seat President Barack Obama had left after his election into office. A statement given by Lieutenant governor Pat Quinn after governor Blagojevich's actions establishment. "In this moment, our hearts are hurt. And it's very important to know that we have a duty, a mission to restore the faith of the people of Illinois in the integrity of their government."



This article clearly demonstrates Article 1 The Legislative Branch, Section 5, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution. Congress has the power to expel a member, (with the concurrence of two-thirds), for disorderly conduct. This article shows that in instances when accusations and evidence is found that questions someone who is in office and their conduct as an official. Congress has the authority to expel a member and upon doing so, that officials predeccesor is then put in their place. The impeachment powers are given solely to the Legislative Branch to expel members in all branches of government. No Checks & Balances was an reoccuring issue under the Articles of Confederation.



I couldn't imagine what government or society would be like if there was no way to remove different government officials for dissorderly conduct. If that wasn't possible our democracy would be a dictator type of monarchy that we elected an official, but didnt have the power or wasn't allowed to impeach or expel that member from office if they ever exhibited inappropriate behavior throughout their term in office. I completely agree with this constitutional power and do find it to be a neccessity in a possibly corrupt governement. Another thing I thought was good about this constitutional power was if the circumstance did come that an official was impeached they have already prepared people who will be a predeccessor, regardless of when it occured.