What does it mean to "impeach" a federal official?

To "impeach" a federal official refers to the process of formally accusing that official of wrongdoing, particularly crimes or misconduct while in office. This process is typically initiated in the House of Representatives and can lead to a trial in the Senate, where the official may be removed from their position upon conviction. Impeachment serves as a critical mechanism for holding federal officials accountable for their actions that are deemed harmful to governance or contrary to the law, thus preserving the integrity of public office.

The other options do not accurately reflect the process or intent of impeachment. For instance, electing a new official does not relate to the impeachment process, which is focused on addressing the behavior of current officials. Commending an official for their performance is the opposite of impeachment, as it involves praise rather than accusation. Lastly, while limiting an official's powers may occur as a separate action, it is not synonymous with impeachment, which primarily revolves around the act of bringing charges against someone in office.