How does the Constitution define “high crimes and misdemeanors”?

The Constitution defines "high crimes and misdemeanors" as the grounds for impeachment of the President and other federal officials. This phrase appears in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution and is pivotal in the process of holding federal officials accountable for abuses of power, corruption, or other inappropriate conduct while in office.

In the context of impeachment, "high crimes and misdemeanors" is generally understood to encompass serious offenses that undermine the integrity of the office held, such as treason, bribery, or other significant breaches of public trust. The impeachment process serves as a check on the President and other federal officials, allowing Congress to remove individuals who have committed serious misconduct.

This specific focus on the accountability of high-ranking officials distinguishes it from other legal terms, including those related to civil lawsuits, which are not addressed in the context of impeachment. Additionally, while criteria for the appointment of federal judges are outlined in the Constitution, they do not relate to the concept of "high crimes and misdemeanors." Similarly, justifiable reasons for public protests are outside the scope of what is meant by this constitutional phrase, which is fundamentally linked to the governance and oversight of federal authority.