key term - Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Definition

The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a significant political event in American history that took place in 1868, resulting from tensions between the president and Congress during the Reconstruction era. Johnson, who had assumed the presidency after Lincoln's assassination, faced opposition due to his lenient policies toward the South and his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. This conflict highlighted the struggles over presidential and congressional power in shaping Reconstruction policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was the first U.S. president to be impeached, with the House of Representatives voting to impeach him on February 24, 1868.
2. The impeachment trial took place in the Senate, where Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, failing to reach the two-thirds majority required for removal.
3. Johnson's impeachment was primarily driven by political conflicts with Radical Republicans who sought to enforce strict Reconstruction policies.
4. The charge against Johnson included his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which he believed to be unconstitutional, raising debates about presidential authority.
5. The impeachment set a precedent regarding the limits of executive power and the role of Congress in checking that power during times of political conflict.

Review Questions

• What were the primary reasons for Andrew Johnson's impeachment, and how did they reflect the political tensions of the Reconstruction era?
  • Andrew Johnson was impeached primarily due to his lenient approach towards the South after the Civil War and his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. His conflicts with Radical Republicans highlighted deep divisions over how Reconstruction should be implemented, with Johnson favoring a more conciliatory approach while Congress sought stricter measures to ensure civil rights for freed slaves and maintain control over Southern states. This struggle between presidential authority and congressional power was central to his impeachment.
• Analyze the impact of Andrew Johnson's impeachment on future interpretations of presidential power and congressional authority.
  • The impeachment of Andrew Johnson had a lasting impact on how presidential power is viewed in relation to congressional authority. His trial raised critical questions about the scope of executive powers and set important precedents for future interactions between the presidency and Congress. The narrowly avoided removal from office demonstrated that while Congress has the authority to impeach, it also highlighted potential limitations in exercising that power effectively, thereby influencing future administrations' approaches to governance.
• Evaluate how the impeachment of Andrew Johnson shaped public perception of political accountability in government during Reconstruction and beyond.
  • The impeachment of Andrew Johnson significantly influenced public perception regarding political accountability by illustrating how conflicts over policy could lead to extreme measures such as impeachment. The trial drew national attention, revealing both support and opposition for Johnson's policies while simultaneously raising awareness about the responsibilities and limits of presidential power. As a result, it created a legacy that emphasized the importance of checks and balances within government, shaping how citizens viewed their leaders' actions during Reconstruction and impacting attitudes toward political accountability in subsequent administrations.

Related terms

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law passed in 1867 that restricted the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval.

Reconstruction:

The period after the Civil War during which the United States sought to reintegrate Southern states and ensure civil rights for newly freed African Americans.

Radical Republicans: A faction within the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era that advocated for harsh policies against the Southern states and full civil rights for African Americans.