What formal document charges a public official with misconduct in office?

• A. Indictment
• B. Impeachment
• C. Censure
• D. Recall

Answer: (B)

When a public official is accused of misconduct in office, the formal mechanism to charge them is impeachment. The House of Representatives drafts and votes on articles of impeachment, which are the formal charges alleging wrongdoing. The Senate then holds a trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office.

Indictment is a criminal charge brought by a grand jury in criminal court, not the official misconduct process for office. Censure is only a formal expression of disapproval and does not constitute charges or removal. Recall is a vote by the electorate to remove an official from office before the term ends, not a formal charge of misconduct.