The First President to Be Impeached: Andrew Johnson

In the annals of American history, the impeachment of a president has been a rare but significant event. This article delves into the impeachment process of Andrew Johnson, the first and thus far only US President to be impeached by the House of Representatives, and explores the subsequent consequences and outcomes of his impeachment proceedings.

Andrew Johnson and the Impeachment

Andrew Johnson, who assumed the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, was the first American president to face impeachment proceedings. The impeachment process against Johnson began due to his actions regarding the Tenure of Office Act.

The Tenure of Office Act and Johnson's Actions

The Tenure of Office Act, passed on March 2, 1867, was intended to maintain the President's ability to remove his appointed officials. However, following a disagreement with then-Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Johnson dismissed him without Congressional approval. Stanton’s dismissal violated the Tenure of Office Act, and consequently, Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1868.

The Outcome of Johnson's Impeachment

The impeachment trial that followed was a momentous occasion in US history. In a close vote, Johnson was ultimately acquitted by the Senate by a single vote. This outcome exposed the deep ideological and political divides within the nation, highlighting the tension between the legislative and executive branches of government.

Following Impeachment: A Single Term in Office

Despite the impeachment proceedings, Andrew Johnson served only one term as president. His presidency was marked by conflict over Reconstruction policies and civil rights. Following his term, Johnson returned to Tennessee, where he was elected to the United States Senate in 1875, serving until his death.

Comparison with Other Impeachments

In the subsequent decades, other US presidents faced impeachment proceedings:

Bill Clinton

During Bill Clinton’s presidency, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him on four articles of impeachment. The Senate acquitted Clinton on all counts, thus ending the impeachment proceedings.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump faced impeachment twice during his presidency. In 2019 and 2021, both impeachment efforts resulted in the Senate voting to acquit him, thus preventing his removal from office.

Questions and Further Reading

If you have further questions or want to explore similar topics, consider the following resources:

Further reading on the impeachment of Andrew Johnson and other US presidents Explore the history of the Tenure of Office Act and its impact on US politics Research the current state of impeachment proceedings in the United States

Understanding the impeachment process and its outcomes can provide valuable insights into the functioning of the US government and the principles of checks and balances.