Reference no: EM133539171

Discussion Post: Congress

Make sure to write a well-considered response of at least 200 words Remember, you do not have to agree with the political views presented, only respectfully respond to them.*

Watch this YouTube video: "Barbara Jordan Watergate Articles On Impeachment"

If you've taken Texas Government with me, you know about Barbara Jordan. Jordan blazed trails as the first African-American since Reconstruction to hold office in the Texas state senate and the first African-American woman ever to hold that position. She then went to Washington D.C. in 1973, after winning a landslide election, to become the first black woman to represent Texas in the U.S. House. While in Congress, she sat on the Judiciary Committee, where she gave the opening speech during the Committee's hearing to impeach Richard Nixon. Her speech is considered to be one of the greatest political speeches ever made.

Now watch her history-making speech. After you watch, respond to what you heard. You may consider these questions: What checks-and-balances does she mention? What does she think about the role of Congress regarding impeachment? What is her reasoning for Congress bringing forth these articles and what is the "standard" she uses? How does she explain the "nature of impeachment" and its role in balancing the government?

Remember that impeachment is not the same thing as removal. A person can be impeached and still serve in office without being removed. Impeachment is the "list of charges" made by the House. The trial and vote for removal would then take place in the Senate. Nixon was never removed because he resigned before any votes were made in the Senate.