Senate Acquits Andrew Johnson by One Vote
May 16th, 1868
May 16th, 1868
How Long Ago?
156 years, 10 months ago
Location
Washington, D.C., USA
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Andrew Johnson
- Edwin M. Stanton
- Thaddeus Stevens
- Benjamin Wade
Links & References
Tags
Senate Acquits Andrew Johnson by One Vote
In 1868, the United States Senate conducted a trial to determine whether President Andrew Johnson should be removed from office. The trial stemmed from Johnson's violation of the Tenure of Office Act after he attempted to replace Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Senators deliberated intensely and voted on the articles of impeachment, ultimately falling one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict Johnson, allowing him to remain in office.
Lasted several weeks with extensive debates.
Johnson was impeached for violating a law.
The vote was 35 for conviction, 19 against.
Set a precedent for future presidential impeachments.
What Happened?
The impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson was a pivotal moment in American political history, sparked by his contentious relationship with Congress following the Civil War. After Johnson attempted to remove Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, from his position in defiance of the Tenure of Office Act, he faced impeachment charges, specifically for high crimes and misdemeanors. The House of Representatives impeached Johnson in February 1868, and the Senate then convened to hold the trial. Senators were tasked with determining whether Johnson's actions warranted removal from office. The trial lasted several weeks, marked by heated debates and significant political maneuvering. Ultimately, when the votes were cast, the Senate was unable to reach the requisite two-thirds majority testimony for conviction, with the final tally reflecting 35 votes for conviction and 19 against. This narrow margin, just one vote away from conviction, kept Johnson in power, emphasizing the complexities of the balance of power and the limits of congressional authority during the Reconstruction era.
Why Does it Matter?
The acquittal of Andrew Johnson is noteworthy as it underscored the challenges of enforcing accountability in the presidency and set a precedent for future impeachment proceedings. The close vote illustrated the deep divisions in post-Civil War America and the contentious relationship between the presidency and Congress, particularly surrounding issues of Reconstruction. This event shaped the trajectory of U.S. political discourse, influencing the nature of presidential power and the constitutional framework for government accountability.
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