fandomhigh | Civics, Thursday, March 23, 2017

There was a movie set up for the class today, but that didn't mean the teachers weren't about to be dropping some knowledge bombs on you kids. Some political knowledge bombs.

Look, you took this class for a reason. Okay?

"Today we'll be discussing the impeachment process how it occurs in the United States," Tony said. Because hope sprang ever-freaking-eternal, okay? "Impeachment is when criminal charges are brought on an elected official, generally crimes committed while in office or using the office."

"So far, no American president has been both impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate," Steve continued, "but two have been impeached and one resigned from office before he could be impeached."

"So far," Tony muttered. Because c'mon. C'mon.

He cleared his throat before continuing. "It's the less... bloody alternative to other historical methods of removing a leader from power."

Ahem.

"Very true," Steve said. "The House of Representatives must bring the impeachment charges against the President--it's part of the separation of powers we talked about and it has to originate in the legislative body thought to be most connected to the people. If impeachment passes, it's then up to the Senate to convict or acquit."

"If they convict... well, it's never happened with a president as Captain Rogers said. But with other officials, they are removed from the office they held," Tony added. "We know from history when presidents have either died or were killed, they job is passed onto the Vice President."

Yeah, rotten orange to melted lizard person. You had so few choices left, folks.

At least "probable alien wearing human skin" political adviser wasn't in the line of succession? "Unless the Vice President had to resign first, like happened with Spiro Agnew," Steve added. "Which is a real name, sadly. At that point, the next in line is the Speaker of the House."

Tony made suuuuch a face at the thought of Paul Ryan being president, but recovered quickly. "Fun fact, that resignation led to Gerald Ford being the first and only person to hold the office of the Vice Presidency and the Presidency without being elected to either."

Such an honor, folks!

"You can probably use that knowledge to impress women at the next dance," Steve said optimistically if inaccurately. "Anyway, now we're going to watch a movie about the investigation that led to Gerald Ford becoming president."

Starring a guy who looked weirdly like a young Alexander Pierce. Huh.

How strange!

Tony was just going to side-eye Steve for the adorably naive idea that political history would score you dates. "Enjoy the movie and try not to fall asleep on us."