Andrew Johnson Impeachment Analysis

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In 1867 Andrew Johnson opposed the Reconstruction Act and was met by a hard push from both republican and democrats along the party lines. After the election he became even bolder in his rebellion. As one Republican questioned “What does he intend to do?” Still another wondered if he would make them all in favor of impeachment. Then the fatal boot would fall when Johnson would remove from office Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. He had administered the War Department in support of the congressional Reconstruction policy. To congress this seemed to violate the Office of Tenure Act which was passed 1 year prior which, might I add, was passed over Johnsons veto. This Act would require the consent of Congress for such removals. By an overwhelming …show more content…
Constitution, impeachment by the House does not automatically remove and official from office. This vote is more like a Grand Jury indictment and must be tried by a petit jury. Then it must be approved by a two thirds vote. Johnson was being impeached on the grounds of obstruction, and fortunate for Johnson this would prove to be a long and complicated process. The constitution outlines the reasons for impeachment which include; Bribery, Treason, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. The issue was whether he was guilty of any of these. To Johnson’s advantage his defense counsel exposed technical ambiguities in The Tenure of Office Act that raised doubt whether Johnson had violated any of the above. Since several of Republicans feared the precedent of impeachment might upset the delicate balance of power between the executive branch, Congress and the judiciary that was an essential element of the Constitution. Johnson revealed his plans to appoint a highly respected General by the name of John M. Schofield as secretary of war and stopped obstructing the Reconstruction Act. In the end, seven Republican senators voted for acquittal on May 16 and the final tally of votes fell one vote short of a two thirds majority. Giving Johnson the
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