BBC's Nick Bryant: Clinton's homework on answers

In a 34-page submission to the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Mr Clinton admitted he had misled the public and top aides but added he hoped the answers would prompt a "speedy and fair" end to the matter.

In several of his answers, the president said he could not recall details or did not remember events relating to the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

On whether he had lied under oath about Ms Lewinsky's gifts to him, and to several other questions, the president replied: "that testimony was not false and misleading".

Nick Bryant in Washington: Busy Thanksgiving for Clinton and House Judicial Committee

In a separate note to committee chairman Henry Hyde, Mr Clinton's lawyer David Kendall said "the president did not commit or suborn perjury, tamper with witnesses, obstruct justice or abuse power".

Mr Hyde issued a terse statement saying that the committee "will now carefully review those responses".

Central allegation

In response to a key allegation that Mr Clinton had asked his personal secretary Betty Currie to conceal evidence of an affair, the president denied having asked her to "to take possession of gifts" previously given to Ms Lewinsky.

On the question of whether he had coached Ms Currie on how to respond to the questions of prosecutors, he said he did not remember exactly what he had told her.

Henry Hyde: Demanded answers

Writing to the president earlier in the week Mr Hyde said that Mr Clinton must admit or deny allegations of wrongdoing.

"Now is the time to present the facts, now is the time for co-operation," Mr Hyde wrote.

He threatened to issue a subpoena if answers were not forthcoming by Monday.

The president's response came amid reports from Capitol Hill that the crucial articles of impeachment are already being drawn up.

According to the reports originating with the New York Times newspaper, officials of the Judiciary Committee have begun work on three possible articles, including perjury and abuse of office.

These charges, if approved by the committee's Republican majority, would form the basis of a House vote on impeachment.

If the House then approves the articles, the president would face a "trial" before the Senate, the upper house of Congress.

Leading Democrats on the committee have moved to dismiss the reports of articles of impeachment.

One Democrat, Barney Frank, said that an article of impeachment alleging abuse of power would be "just silly".

To censure or impeach?

Uncertainty still remains on whether or not congressional leaders and the White House will seek to strike a deal over a censure of the president rather than allow impeachment hearings to continue.

The rumour mill: Congress is awash with speculation

Democrat Paul McHale has reportedly circulated a draft motion censuring the president for "having engaged in a pattern of deceitful and dishonest conduct" inconsistent with his duties.

But the House of Representatives' speaker-elect Bob Livingston has already outlined his opposition to a deal, saying he wanted to see a full vote on impeachment - even if it could not command a majority.

According to a survey carried out by the Washington Post newspaper, between 20 and 30 Republicans would vote against impeachment.