Thread by @washingtonpost

For only the third time in history, the Senate is holding a trial to determine whether to remove a president from office.

Here’s what you need to know about President Trump’s impeachment trial: wapo.st/2NLq8P1

The Constitution requires senators to serve as jurors to decide whether to convict the president and remove him from office on charges made by the House through articles of impeachment: in this case, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. wapo.st/2NLq8P1

Impeachment managers from the House will prosecute the case against Trump, and a number of White House and private lawyers will defend the president. wapo.st/2NLq8P1

After the arguments are presented, senators can ask questions of each side — but only in writing. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who is presiding over the trial, will read them out loud, and Trump’s lawyers or House prosecutors can answer them. wapo.st/2NLq8P1

After all that, the Senate will vote on whether to continue the trial and let both sides subpoena witnesses or whether to end the trial and vote on whether to convict or acquit the president for each impeachment count. wapo.st/2NLq8P1

Two-thirds of the Senate is needed to convict the president and remove him from office. Trump remains in office if that 67-vote threshold is not met.

The Senate comprises 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and 2 independents. wapo.st/2NLq8P1