What was the outcome of the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson?

• A. Johnson was convicted and removed from office.
• B. Johnson was impeached but acquitted by the Senate.
• C. The impeachment trial ended in acquittal.
• D. The Senate failed to reach a verdict.

Answer: (B)

Impeachment is a two-step process: the House charges a official with misconduct, and the Senate holds a trial to decide whether to remove them. Removal requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate, a high bar meant to prevent removal for political reasons. In Andrew Johnson’s case, the House brought impeachment charges in 1868. At the trial, the Senate did not reach the two-thirds threshold to convict, so he was acquitted and remained in office for the rest of his term. The important point is that impeachment does not by itself remove someone; a conviction by the Senate is needed for removal.