Tenure of Office Act

The Tenure of Office Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1867 that restricted the President’s power to remove certain government officials without Senate approval. It was intended to protect members of President Andrew Johnson’s Cabinet, especially his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton. The law aimed to limit Johnson's ability to dismiss officials he disagreed with, but it was controversial and seen by many as unconstitutional. In practice, it led to Johnson’s impeachment attempt, though he was ultimately acquitted. The act reflected tensions during Reconstruction over presidential influence over federal appointments.