key term - Andrew Johnson's impeachment

Definition

Andrew Johnson's impeachment refers to the political process initiated against the 17th President of the United States in 1868, where he was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act. This act restricted the president's ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. Johnson's conflict with Congress, particularly over Reconstruction policies and his opposition to the Radical Republicans, led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives and subsequent trial in the Senate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Johnson was impeached on February 24, 1868, primarily for his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, but also due to his unyielding approach to Reconstruction.
2. The House of Representatives approved 11 articles of impeachment against Johnson, focusing on his attempts to undermine Congressional authority.
3. The impeachment trial took place in the Senate, where Johnson was acquitted by just one vote, failing to reach the necessary two-thirds majority for removal.
4. Johnson's impeachment was significant as it marked the first time a U.S. president faced this process, raising questions about the limits of presidential power and Congressional authority.
5. The aftermath of Johnson's impeachment solidified the power struggle between the presidency and Congress during Reconstruction, influencing future political dynamics in the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Johnson's impeachment reflect the tensions between the presidency and Congress during Reconstruction?
  • Andrew Johnson's impeachment highlighted the growing rift between him and Congress, particularly the Radical Republicans who wanted strict enforcement of Reconstruction policies. His frequent clashes over civil rights legislation and opposition to their plans led Congress to see him as a significant obstacle. The impeachment process itself illustrated how Congress sought to assert its authority over an executive branch they viewed as too lenient towards the South.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tenure of Office Act in Andrew Johnson's impeachment and its implications for presidential power.
  • The Tenure of Office Act was crucial to Andrew Johnson's impeachment because it directly linked his actions to the charges brought against him. By removing Edwin Stanton, a Secretary of War aligned with Congress, Johnson violated this act, prompting his impeachment. The implications of this event were profound; it set a precedent regarding executive power and limitations, as well as influencing future discussions around presidential authority and congressional oversight.
• Analyze how Andrew Johnson's impeachment influenced subsequent approaches to Reconstruction and set precedents for future presidential impeachments.
  • Andrew Johnson's impeachment had lasting effects on Reconstruction by underscoring the deep divisions within American politics regarding civil rights and federal authority. Following his acquittal, Congress continued to push forward with its Reconstruction agenda despite his resistance. This event also set a precedent for future impeachments by establishing a contentious political landscape where impeachment could be used as a tool against a president seen as overstepping boundaries, thus influencing how later leaders navigated their relationships with Congress.

Related terms

Tenure of Office Act:

A law passed in 1867 that restricted the president's power to remove certain officials without Senate approval, which became a pivotal factor in Andrew Johnson's impeachment.

Radical Republicans:

A faction within the Republican Party during Reconstruction that advocated for harsher measures against Southern states and greater rights for freed slaves.

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