Why did radicals call for the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson?
A) They accused Johnson of revealing military secrets to the Confederates during the Civil War.
B) They charged that he had an improper relationship with an intern.
C) Johnson violated the Tenure of Office Act.
D) Radicals were angry with Johnson for vetoing the Civil Rights Act.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radicals called for the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson because he violated the Tenure of Office Act, which restricted the President's ability to fire certain officeholders without Senate approval. Johnson attempted to remove Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and replace him with someone more sympathetic to his policies, which violated the law. This led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868.

Why Did Radicals Call for the Impeachment of President Andrew