U.S. Senate Acquits President Clinton

Summary

Following the House of Representatives' approval of two articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton in December 1998 for perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the Senate conducted a trial presided over by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The proceedings featured witness testimony, legal arguments, and intense partisan debate over whether the charges met the constitutional standard of 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' On February 12, 1999, the Senate voted on the articles; neither secured the required two-thirds majority for conviction, with 45-55 on perjury and 50-50 on obstruction. Clinton remained in office to complete his second term. The outcome underscored the political nature of impeachment and the high bar for removing a president.

Why It Matters

The acquittal preserved the precedent that impeachment serves as a political rather than purely legal process, influencing subsequent debates on executive accountability. It highlighted divisions in American politics at the turn of the millennium and reinforced the resilience of constitutional checks and balances without resulting in removal from office.

Related Portfolio Site

America 250 Atlas: U.S. Senate Acquits President Clinton is part of U.S. presidential, constitutional, or national civic history.

Sources

1. Impeachment of Bill Clinton, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-07-08.
2. President Bill Clinton acquitted on both articles of impeachment, History.com. Accessed 2026-07-08.