According to the quotation, Thaddeus Stevens believes that Andrew Johnson should be removed from office because Johnson failed to fulfill his chief duty as President, which is to obey the Constitution and faithfully execute the laws of the United States. Stevens emphasizes that it is the President's responsibility to adhere to the commands of the sovereign power of the nation and ensure that others do the same. Any attempt by Johnson to neglect this duty would constitute a violation of his official oath, thus justifying his removal from office. In summary, Stevens argues that Johnson's failure to uphold his constitutional responsibilities merits impeachment.
“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 the 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
According to the quotation, why does Stevens believe that Johnson should be removed from office?
2 answers
Make it short pla