Johnson's Acquittal

Definition

Johnson's acquittal refers to the outcome of the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, in 1868, where he was found not guilty by a single vote. This trial was a significant moment in American history, reflecting the deep divisions within Congress and the nation during Reconstruction. Johnson's acquittal highlighted the contentious political climate of the time and set a precedent regarding the limits of presidential power and congressional authority in matters of impeachment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The impeachment trial took place in the Senate, and Johnson was accused primarily of violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War.
2. The Senate vote resulted in 35 guilty votes and 19 not guilty votes, falling just one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction.
3. Johnson's acquittal allowed him to remain in office until the end of his term, which further intensified conflicts between him and Congress over Reconstruction policies.
4. The trial marked the first time a U.S. president was impeached, setting a critical precedent for future impeachments.
5. Johnson’s acquittal underscored the challenges of balancing presidential authority with congressional power, which would influence political dynamics for years to come.

Review Questions

• What were the main charges against Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial, and how did they reflect the political tensions of the time?
  • Andrew Johnson was primarily charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin M. Stanton from his position as Secretary of War without Senate approval. This charge exemplified the intense political strife between Johnson and the Radical Republicans in Congress, who sought to limit his power and enforce stricter Reconstruction policies. The impeachment reflected broader national conflicts regarding civil rights and the reintegration of Southern states following the Civil War.
• Discuss how Johnson's acquittal impacted his presidency and shaped future congressional interactions with executive power.
  • Johnson's acquittal allowed him to continue serving as president but also reinforced his contentious relationship with Congress. The narrow margin by which he avoided removal highlighted significant divisions within Congress regarding presidential authority. This event shaped future congressional interactions by establishing precedents around impeachment that would influence how legislative and executive branches checked each other's powers moving forward.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Johnson's acquittal on American political culture and its relevance in contemporary discussions about presidential power.
  • The long-term implications of Johnson's acquittal include a lasting influence on how impeachment is perceived within American political culture. It raised critical questions about the balance of power between branches of government and set benchmarks for evaluating presidential conduct. In contemporary discussions about presidential power, Johnson’s case is often referenced in debates surrounding executive authority, accountability, and the potential consequences of political polarization in matters of governance.

Related terms

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

Radical Republicans: A faction within the Republican Party during Reconstruction that advocated for stringent measures against the Southern states and for civil rights for freed slaves.

Tenure of Office Act: A federal law enacted in 1867 that restricted the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval, which was a key factor in Johnson's impeachment.