at the end of the january 21 session, the senate voted along party lines to pass mitch mcconnell's proposed trial rules and reject 11 amendments proposed by democrats. the prosecution's opening arguments and presentation of evidence took place between january 22–24. trump's defense presentation began on january 25. the primary arguments were a lack of direct evidence of wrongdoing, and that democrats were attempting to use the impeachment to steal the 2020 election. under the u.s. constitution, a two-thirds majority of the senate is required to convict the president.