According to the quotation, Thaddeus Stevens believes that Andrew Johnson should be removed from office because Johnson failed to fulfill his primary duty as President, which is to faithfully execute the laws and obey the Constitution. Stevens emphasizes that the President's role is not to legislate or adjudicate but to ensure that the nation's sovereign power is respected and followed. He argues that any attempt by Johnson to evade this responsibility is a violation of his official oath and undermines the rule of law. Stevens’ assertion suggests that Johnson's actions were not only a dereliction of duty but also a direct challenge to the constitutional framework that governs the role of the President, warranting his removal from office.
"When Andrew Johnson took upon himself the duties of
his high office he swore to obey the Constitution and take
care that the laws be faithfully executed. That, indeed, is
and has always been the chief duty of the President of the
United States. The duties of legislation and adjudicating
[making a judgment on] the laws of his country fall in no
way to his lot. To obey the commands of sovereign power
of the nation, and to see that others should obey them,
was his whole duty -a duty which he could not escape,
and any attempt to do so would be in direct violation of his
official oath.
- Thaddeus Stevens, Closing Remarks in the
Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson, 1868
Use the quotation to answer the following question:
According to the quotation, why does Stevens
believe that Johnson should be removed from
office?
(write one paragraph please)
1 answer