Description
A poor president, ill-suited for the job. Impeached by an angry Congress, hoping to remove him. Failed to do so by the slimmest of margins. Despite similarities to our own time, this was 1868 and the President charged was Andrew Johnson. This was the only presidential impeachment proceeding in the first 200 years of American history. There is no denying that Andrew Johnson was a poor President. But it can honestly be said that Johnson was “framed.” Congress was saved by one vote from disgracing itself and setting a bad precedent. However, it was successful in seizing power from the President anyway. This class will explore the impeachment article in the U. S. Constitution, the circumstances of the Johnson impeachment and the positive results of the abortive attempt at removal. It can provide an interesting compare and contrast activity with events of our own time.