Expulsion

Article I, Section 5, of the United States Constitution provides that "Each House [of Congress] may determine the Rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member." Since 1789, the Senate has expelled only fifteen of its entire membership.

Who Has Been Expelled from the Senate?

Read more about expulsion and see a list of expelled Senators.

Read About Expulsion

Learn more about expulsions by reading these essays and a book profile from the Senate Historian’s office.

John Smith Resigns Under Fire, April 25, 1808

Ten Senators Expelled, July 11, 1861

Friendship or Treason?, February 5, 1862

High Court Upholds a Senator's Conviction, May 21, 1906

United States Senate Election, Expulsion, and Censure Cases (book profile)

Related Item

Interested in related materials? Take a look at this Virtual Reference Desk subject for more information.

Censure