Which exclusive power does the House of Representatives possess?

The House of Representatives possesses the exclusive power of impeachment, which is a crucial mechanism to hold federal officials accountable for misconduct. This power allows the House to bring charges against an official, such as the President, for "high crimes and misdemeanors."

The process begins in the House, where a simple majority is needed to pass articles of impeachment. If the House votes to impeach, the case is then forwarded to the Senate, which conducts a trial and ultimately decides whether to remove the official from office.

In contrast, the power to approve treaties belongs to the Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority. The declaration of war is a power shared by both houses, but typically initiated by Congress as a whole, not the House alone. Similarly, the appointment of ambassadors is a function of the President, with the Senate conducting confirmation hearings. Therefore, the unique responsibility of impeachment underscores the House of Representatives' significant role in overseeing and maintaining checks and balances within the federal government.