What power does the legislative branch possess concerning government officials?

The legislative branch possesses the power to impeach officials as a crucial mechanism for checks and balances within the government. Impeachment allows the legislature to hold executive branch officials accountable for misconduct, including corruption, abuse of power, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. This power is essential for ensuring that government officials adhere to the law and maintain public trust.

In many governmental systems, the impeachment process involves several steps, often beginning with an investigation and followed by a vote to determine whether the official should be formally impeached. If the official is impeached, a trial usually follows, often conducted by the legislative body, which determines their removal from office or exoneration.

This power underscores the legislative branch's role not just in creating laws, but also in maintaining oversight of other branches of government, reinforcing the principle of accountability at all levels of governance.