Impeachment

Abstract

This paper analyzes the possibilities for the impeachment to make political responsibility effective, particularly in the case of presidents. For that matter, it describes its structural elements and gives some general considerations. In addition, a broad interpretation is proposed, according to which, independently from the causes foreseen by each constitution, it is possible to hold presidents politically responsible. In this way, a justification of the mechanism is proposed, according to which its aim is to dismiss officials who committed offenses and attacks against the community itself in the exercise of their functions and that are considered abuses of power or authority. This interpretation diminishes the differences between the presidentialist and parliamentary democratic regimes regarding the modalities of political responsibility.