Which body has the authority to impeach a state officer in Colorado?

In Colorado, the authority to impeach a state officer lies with the Colorado House of Representatives. This is a fundamental aspect of how state-level governance is structured and aligns with the principles of checks and balances found in both federal and state governments.

When a state officer is deemed to have committed misconduct or is unfit for office, the impeachment process begins in the House. The House has the sole power to initiate impeachment proceedings, which involves bringing formal charges against the officer. If the House approves articles of impeachment by a majority vote, the process then moves to the Colorado Senate, which holds the trial. However, it is the House that holds the exclusive right to impeach, emphasizing its role as an investigative body in situations of alleged wrongdoing by state officials.

The other options, such as the Senate, the Governor's office, or the statewide judiciary, do not have the authority to impeach state officers. The Senate plays a critical role in the trial following impeachment but cannot initiate impeachment. The Governor's office and the judiciary fulfill different functions in the state's governance and cannot engage in the impeachment process.