How can federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, be removed?

Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, can be removed from their positions primarily through the process of impeachment. This involves a formal charge or accusation brought by the House of Representatives. If the House votes to impeach, the case is then sent to the Senate for a trial. The House serves as the prosecutor, while the Senate acts as the jury. This process was established in the U.S. Constitution, reflecting the principle of checks and balances within the federal government.

Impeachment is a critical mechanism intended to hold judges accountable for misconduct or malfeasance while allowing them to serve independently from political pressures. Therefore, the role of the House is to initiate the impeachment process, making this choice the correct answer.

While judges can indeed retire voluntarily, this is not a form of removal as it is based on the judge's discretion. A presidential pardon may be granted for a variety of offenses but does not apply to the removal of judges from their positions. Lastly, while a two-thirds vote from the Senate is necessary to convict and remove a judge after impeachment, it is not the initial step in the removal process itself. Only the House can bring the charges that start the impeachment process.