Pennsylvania Constitution Article VI.
Pennsylvania Constitution – Article VI: Public Officers
Summary:
Article VI of the Pennsylvania Constitution outlines the rules and procedures regarding public officers, including their selection, duties, removal, and other provisions. Here's a section-by-section summary:
Section 1 – Selection of Officers Not Otherwise Provided For
All state officers whose selection is not specifically provided for in the Constitution shall be elected or appointed as prescribed by law.
Section 2 – Incompatibility of Offices
No person may hold more than one office under the government of the Commonwealth at the same time if those offices are deemed incompatible by law.
Section 3 – Oath of Office
Before assuming duties, every person elected or appointed to any office must take and subscribe to an oath (or affirmation) to support the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions and to faithfully discharge their duties.
Section 4 – Power of Impeachment
The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach.
The Senate holds the trial for impeachment, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict.
The Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court presides over impeachment trials involving the Governor or Lieutenant Governor.
Section 5 – Removal of Civil Officers
Civil officers elected by the people (except for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the General Assembly) may be removed from office for cause, after due notice and a full hearing, by the Governor with the consent of two-thirds of the Senate.
Section 6 – Tenure of Appointed Officers
Appointed officers serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority unless otherwise specified by law.
Key Takeaways:
Provides mechanisms for appointment, removal, and discipline of public officers.
Establishes checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches regarding the conduct of public officers.
Includes constitutional requirements like oaths and rules of impeachment.
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