The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson Became Pres. Following Lincoln’s assassination Democrat from Tennessee – sympathetic to southerners Follows Lincoln’s lenient policies

Radical Republicans Leaders of Congress who wanted revenge and punishment for southerners Saw an opportunity to re-order southern society

Tenure of Office Act Illegal to replace any official whose appointment had to be approved by the Senate without Senate’s approval Violated when Johnson fires Sec. of War Edwin Stanton

Johnson Impeached by House of Representatives Impeached = officially charged

Impeachment Trial Senate acts as jury Chief Justice of Supreme Court acts as judge Clinton, Nixon, Johnson

2/3 majority needed for conviction 1n 1868, there were 54 Senators (27 states) 36 guilty votes needed 42 Republicans 12 Democrats

Predetermined? Most senators had voiced their opinion before the trial was even held. All 12 Democrats and 6 Republicans would vote Not Guilty 1 more not guilty vote needed for acquittal Edmund G. Ross

Edmund G. Ross Freshman Senator from Kansas Conscience or Constituents? Integrity of the Presidency?

Political Suicide None of the 7 Republicans who voted not guilty were ever re-elected to the Senate