Tag Archives: Tenure of Office Act (1867)

the golden character

Posted on January 10, 2020 by SUMPTER

According to documentation at Project Gutenberg, President Ulysses S. Grant sent his first annual message to Congress when it reconvened early in December 1869. It was a long report; overall things seemed pretty peaceable. Reconstruction in the Southern states was … Continue reading →

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first time for “last resort”

Posted on February 24, 2018 by SUMPTER

On February 22, 1868 the United States House of Representatives began debating its Reconstruction Committee’s report recommending the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. After a Sabbath Day’s rest the debate resumed on Monday the 24th. By 6:00 PM the full … Continue reading →

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anti-siesta

Posted on February 21, 2018 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today the United States Congress got so riled up that the House even canceled its intended Washington’s birthday holiday. Congress would be taking care of business the next day, but it wouldn’t exactly be business as usual. … Continue reading →

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Johnson vs. Grant

Posted on February 11, 2018 by SUMPTER

In August 1877 President Andrew Johnson suspended Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and named General Ulysses S. Grant Secretary of War ad interim. The president’s actions complied with the Tenure of Office Act enacted the previous March. When the … Continue reading →

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suspended from office

Posted on August 12, 2017 by SUMPTER

A week earlier President Andrew Johnson tried to get around the strictures of the Tenure of Office Act by asking the most radical member of his cabinet secretaries to resign. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton refused. On August 12, 1867 … Continue reading →

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tethered in office?

Posted on August 5, 2017 by SUMPTER

Back in March 1867 the United States Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act over President Andrew Johnson’s veto. The act required that any federal officeholder whose appointment required the advice and consent of the Senate could only be removed … Continue reading →

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in (and out) like a lion

Posted on March 2, 2017 by SUMPTER

On March 2, 1867 Andrew Johnson vetoed two bills as the 39th Congress was wrapping up its business. Both vetoes were immediately overridden by Congress. The Tenure of Office Act limited the President’s power to terminate certain appointees without the … Continue reading →

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