Articles of impeachment

Definition

Articles of impeachment are formal charges or allegations against a public official, typically a president, accusing them of misconduct or violations of law. This process is a constitutional mechanism for Congress to remove an official from office, highlighting serious grievances that warrant such action. In the case of Andrew Johnson, the articles of impeachment were rooted in political tensions and his opposition to Reconstruction efforts, setting a critical precedent for the use of impeachment in American politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868 primarily due to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.
2. The House of Representatives approved 11 articles of impeachment against Johnson, with charges ranging from abuse of power to failure to enforce laws.
3. Johnson's impeachment trial in the Senate resulted in acquittal, as he fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for removal.
4. Johnson's impeachment marked the first time a U.S. president was impeached, setting significant precedents for future cases.
5. The political climate during Johnson's presidency was highly charged, as he clashed with Congress over Reconstruction policies and civil rights for freed slaves.

Review Questions

• What were the primary reasons behind the articles of impeachment against Andrew Johnson and how did they reflect the political tensions of the time?
  • The articles of impeachment against Andrew Johnson primarily stemmed from his violation of the Tenure of Office Act and his confrontational approach toward Congress regarding Reconstruction policies. The political tensions were exacerbated by his opposition to key legislative measures aimed at protecting civil rights for freed slaves. His attempts to remove Edwin Stanton, a staunch supporter of these measures, underscored the deep divisions between Johnson and the Republican-controlled Congress.
• Evaluate the significance of Andrew Johnson's acquittal in the Senate and its implications for future impeachment cases.
  • Andrew Johnson's acquittal in the Senate had profound implications for future impeachment cases as it established a standard for what constitutes 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' The outcome demonstrated that political motivations could influence impeachment proceedings and highlighted the necessity for a clear consensus within Congress before removing an elected official. This precedent has been debated in subsequent impeachment cases, raising questions about partisanship versus legitimate misconduct.
• Assess how Andrew Johnson's impeachment shaped American political discourse regarding presidential power and accountability.
  • Andrew Johnson's impeachment significantly shaped American political discourse by igniting discussions about presidential power and accountability within the federal government. It prompted lawmakers to reconsider the boundaries of executive authority, particularly regarding appointments and removals. The contentious nature of the impeachment proceedings highlighted the need for checks and balances, leading to ongoing debates about the role of Congress in overseeing presidential actions and establishing clearer definitions around impeachment criteria in U.S. governance.

Related terms

Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, which may lead to removal from office if convicted.

Senate Trial: The stage following the House's impeachment vote where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to remove the impeached official from office.

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law intended to restrict the power of the President to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, which was a central issue in Andrew Johnson's impeachment.