Johnson’s Impeachment

Definition

This refers to President Andrew Johnson's impeachment in 1868 by the House of Representatives on charges of violating the Tenure of Office Act, but he was acquitted by the Senate.

Analogy

Think of this like a school principal being put on trial by teachers for breaking school rules, but then being found not guilty by the board of education.

Related terms

Tenure of Office Act: An act that restricted the power of President to dismiss certain officeholders without Senate approval.

Radical Republicans: A faction within Republican Party who sought harsh punishments for Southern states following Civil War and were instrumental in Johnson's impeachment.

Ulysses S. Grant: The 18th President of United States who succeeded Andrew Johnson and whose presidency focused on Reconstruction.