Impeachment In American History Worksheet Answers

Impeachment in American History: A Comprehensive Worksheet and Answer Key

The process of impeachment in the United States, enshrined in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, serves as a critical check on the power of the executive and judicial branches. Understanding its history, procedure, and implications is vital for any citizen. This comprehensive guide provides a worksheet-style exploration of impeachment in American history, followed by detailed answers. This resource aims to facilitate learning and deepen comprehension of this complex and often debated aspect of American governance.

Part 1: Worksheet – Impeachment Cases in American History

Instructions: Fill in the blanks below for each impeachment case in U.S. history.

Part 2: Answer Key and Detailed Analysis of Impeachment Cases

Case Number 1: Andrew Johnson (1868)

• President/Judge: Andrew Johnson
• House Vote to Impeach: Yes, 126-47
• Senate Vote to Convict: No, 35-19 (failed to reach the required two-thirds majority)
• Outcome: Acquitted
• Articles of Impeachment (Key Accusations): Violation of the Tenure of Office Act, obstruction of Congress, and general abuse of power related to his Reconstruction policies. The core issue revolved around Johnson's dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a key figure in the Radical Republican effort to reconstruct the South. The Tenure of Office Act, passed over Johnson's veto, was designed to limit his ability to fire cabinet members without Senate approval.
• Year: 1868

Analysis: The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was deeply partisan, reflecting the intense political divisions of the Reconstruction era. His acquittal, while preserving his presidency, severely weakened his authority and effectively halted his Reconstruction plans. This case set a crucial precedent for future impeachments, highlighting the potential for political motivations and the critical role of the Senate’s two-thirds threshold in preventing a purely partisan removal from office. The legal arguments surrounding the Tenure of Office Act were complex and continue to be debated by constitutional scholars.

Case Number 2: William (Bill) Jefferson Clinton (1998)

• President/Judge: William (Bill) Jefferson Clinton
• House Vote to Impeach: Yes, 228-206
• Senate Vote to Convict: No, 55-45 (failed to reach the required two-thirds majority on both articles)
• Outcome: Acquitted
• Articles of Impeachment (Key Accusations): Perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair with Monica Lewinsky. The House argued that Clinton's testimony before a grand jury concerning his relationship with Lewinsky was false and that he attempted to obstruct justice by encouraging others to provide misleading testimony.
• Year: 1998

Analysis: The Clinton impeachment, unlike Johnson's, was largely focused on personal conduct, raising fundamental questions about the appropriate standard for presidential misconduct. The affair and subsequent legal battles captivated the nation, leading to intense public debate about the balance between presidential accountability and the potential for politically motivated impeachment proceedings. Clinton's acquittal underscored the difficulty of securing a two-thirds Senate vote for conviction, even in the face of significant evidence of wrongdoing. The legal arguments centered on the definition of perjury and the extent to which presidential actions could constitute obstruction of justice.

Case Number 3: Donald John Trump (2019 & 2021)

• President/Judge: Donald John Trump

• House Vote to Impeach (2019): Yes, 230-197

• Senate Vote to Convict (2019): No, 52-48 (failed to reach the required two-thirds majority on both articles)

• Outcome (2019): Acquitted

• Articles of Impeachment (2019 - Key Accusations): Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine. The House alleged that Trump pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate his political rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. Obstruction of Congress stemmed from the Trump administration's refusal to cooperate with the House investigation.

• House Vote to Impeach (2021): Yes, 232-197

• Senate Vote to Convict (2021): No, 57-43 (failed to reach the required two-thirds majority)

• Outcome (2021): Acquitted

• Articles of Impeachment (2021 - Key Accusations): Incitement of insurrection related to the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol. The House alleged that Trump's words and actions leading up to the attack directly contributed to the violence and represented a grave threat to American democracy.

Analysis: Donald Trump's two impeachments represent unprecedented events in American history. The first impeachment focused on allegations of foreign interference in the 2020 election, raising questions about the abuse of presidential power and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. The second impeachment, immediately following the January 6th attack, centered on the President’s role in inciting an insurrection, presenting arguably the most serious charge ever levied against a president. Both impeachments highlighted the intense polarization of American politics and the continuing debate surrounding the appropriate standards for presidential accountability. The outcomes, despite a significant number of Republican Senators voting to convict in the second impeachment, reinforced the high bar for conviction in the Senate.

Part 3: Further Exploration of Impeachment

1. The Impeachment Process:

The Constitution outlines a two-stage impeachment process:

• Impeachment by the House of Representatives: The House must approve articles of impeachment by a simple majority vote. This is akin to an indictment in a criminal trial. The House Judiciary Committee plays a crucial role in investigating and drafting the articles.

• Trial by the Senate: The Senate conducts a trial, presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. A two-thirds vote of the Senate is required for conviction and removal from office. The Senate can also impose further penalties, such as barring the individual from holding future office.

2. Grounds for Impeachment:

While the Constitution doesn't explicitly define "high crimes and misdemeanors," this phrase has been broadly interpreted to encompass a range of serious offenses, including:

• Treason: Betrayal of one's country.
• Bribery: Accepting payment for official actions.
• High Crimes and Misdemeanors: This catch-all phrase allows for flexibility in addressing various forms of official misconduct that undermine the integrity of government.

3. Political vs. Legal Considerations:

Impeachment proceedings are inherently intertwined with political considerations. While the process is governed by legal procedures, partisan politics often play a significant role in shaping the outcome. The level of evidence required for conviction, the interpretation of "high crimes and misdemeanors," and the ultimate decision of the Senate are all susceptible to political influences.

4. The Role of Public Opinion:

Public opinion can significantly influence the impeachment process. Public support or opposition for impeachment can impact the decisions of House members and Senators. Media coverage and public discourse play a vital role in shaping public perception of the events and the individuals involved.

5. The Impact of Impeachment on the Presidency:

Regardless of the outcome, impeachment proceedings can severely damage a president's reputation and effectiveness. Even acquittal can leave a president politically weakened and embattled. The process itself can be deeply divisive and disruptive to the nation.

Part 4: Conclusion

Impeachment in American history is a complex and evolving topic. Examining past cases allows for a deeper understanding of the constitutional process, the political dynamics involved, and the lasting impact on the nation. While the process is designed to hold powerful officials accountable, its application remains subject to interpretation and political maneuvering. Understanding the intricacies of impeachment is crucial for responsible citizenship and informed participation in the democratic process. Further research into individual cases, the historical context surrounding each impeachment, and ongoing scholarly debates about the scope of "high crimes and misdemeanors" will enhance your understanding of this fundamental aspect of American governance. This worksheet and detailed answer key are designed to be a starting point for this exploration, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of this vital element of the U.S. system of checks and balances.