The impeachment proceedings of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton are significant events in U.S. history, illustrating the use of impeachment as a political tool and the complexities of the process.
Andrew Johnson (1868)
Background: Andrew Johnson became president following Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. He was a Southern Democrat who did not align with the more radical Republican Congress regarding Reconstruction policies after the Civil War. His approach to Reconstruction was lenient towards the Southern states, which often put him at odds with Congress.
Impeachment Process:
- Cause: The primary catalyst for Johnson's impeachment was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which Congress had passed to restrict the president's power to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval. Johnson dismissed Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, which Congress viewed as an illegal act.
- House of Representatives: The House impeached Johnson on February 24, 1868, with a vote that largely divided along party lines. He was charged with "high crimes and misdemeanors."
- Senate Trial: The Senate trial began in March 1868. Johnson's defense argued that the Tenure of Office Act was unconstitutional and that his actions were within his presidential powers.
- Outcome: The Senate acquitted Johnson on May 16, 1868, falling one vote short of the two-thirds majority required to remove him from office. Johnson remained in office until the end of his term.
Bill Clinton (1998-1999)
Background: Bill Clinton was elected president in 1992 and re-elected in 1996. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity but also marred by personal scandals, including his extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern.
Impeachment Process:
- Cause: The impeachment was primarily driven by allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Lewinsky affair. The controversy began with an investigation led by independent counsel Kenneth Starr, which evolved from a separate investigation into the Whitewater real estate investment.
- House of Representatives: The House impeached Clinton on December 19, 1998. He was charged with two articles: perjury to a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The vote was again largely partisan, with the majority of Republicans supporting impeachment.
- Senate Trial: The Senate trial commenced in January 1999. Clinton's defense argued that his conduct did not rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors" and that the impeachment was politically motivated.
- Outcome: On February 12, 1999, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both charges. The votes for conviction were not near the needed two-thirds majority—55-45 on the perjury charge and 50-50 on the obstruction of justice charge. Clinton completed his second term in office.
Significance
Both impeachment proceedings are notable for their political context and the questions they raised about the limits of presidential power and accountability. Johnson's impeachment highlighted the intense conflicts during Reconstruction, while Clinton's impeachment underscored the deep partisan divisions that can arise over personal conduct and political motivations. Neither president was ultimately removed from office, illustrating the challenges of achieving a conviction in the Senate.