What body conducts impeachment trials?

The Senate is the body that conducts impeachment trials as established by the U.S. Constitution. When the House of Representatives impeaches a federal official, it essentially brings charges against that official. However, it is the Senate that then holds the trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office. During this trial, senators act as jurors, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial if the impeachment involves the President. A two-thirds majority is required in the Senate to convict and remove the official. This separation of responsibilities ensures a system of checks and balances within the U.S. government, where one body does not solely hold the power to both accuse and convict a federal official.