Andrew Johnson Impeachment

Definition

The Andrew Johnson Impeachment refers to the process by which the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868 for violating the Tenure of Office Act. This act was designed to restrict the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, and Johnson's violation led to a significant constitutional confrontation regarding presidential authority and accountability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was impeached primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, and attempting to replace him without Senate consent.
2. The House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson with a narrow margin, indicating significant political divisions at the time.
3. The impeachment trial took place in the Senate, where Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, preventing his removal from office.
4. Johnson's impeachment marked the first time a sitting U.S. president was impeached, setting a precedent for future impeachments in American history.
5. The political context surrounding Johnson's impeachment included tensions between him and Congress, particularly with Radical Republicans who sought more stringent Reconstruction policies.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the violation of the Tenure of Office Act played a pivotal role in Andrew Johnson's impeachment process.
  • The violation of the Tenure of Office Act was central to Andrew Johnson's impeachment because it directly challenged congressional authority over presidential appointments. By removing Edwin Stanton and attempting to appoint a replacement without Senate approval, Johnson not only defied the law but also ignited a political firestorm. This act was seen as an abuse of power and led to his impeachment by the House, underscoring the tensions between the presidency and Congress during Reconstruction.
• Evaluate the implications of Andrew Johnson's impeachment for presidential powers and congressional authority in American governance.
  • Andrew Johnson's impeachment had significant implications for the balance of power between the presidency and Congress. It raised critical questions about how much authority a president has over appointments and removals, especially in light of congressional legislation like the Tenure of Office Act. The acquittal of Johnson also reinforced congressional power, illustrating that while impeachment is a tool for accountability, it must be carefully applied to maintain governmental stability.
• Analyze the political climate during Andrew Johnson's impeachment and its impact on Reconstruction efforts in the United States.
  • The political climate during Andrew Johnson's impeachment was marked by deep divisions between him and Congress, especially with Radical Republicans who advocated for more stringent Reconstruction policies. This conflict hindered effective governance during a crucial period following the Civil War. The outcome of his impeachment trial not only affected Johnson’s presidency but also shaped subsequent Reconstruction efforts, as Congress sought to implement its vision for rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for freed slaves amid persistent opposition from Johnson and other Southern leaders.

Related terms

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law enacted in 1867 that restricted the president's ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval, which played a central role in Johnson's impeachment.

Impeachment: The constitutional process by which a sitting president or other federal officials can be charged with misconduct, potentially leading to removal from office.

Senate Trial: The subsequent trial in the Senate following impeachment by the House, where senators serve as jurors to determine whether the official should be removed from office.