The Impeachment Trail Began

In the Senate in March 1868 and lasted over two months. In many ways the issues involved were more political and personal than constitutional. Still the basic of separation of powers was at stake: Congress wanted to control the President's actions, and the President wanted to act as he thought proper.

On May 16th the senators came to a vote on the most serious impeachment charge. Thirty-Five voted to convict, Nineteen to acquit. Since the vote fell one short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict, the President was fount not guilty. Ten days later he was acquitted on lesser charges as well.

Andrew Johnson

1808-1875