“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 the laws of his country fall in no way to hi lot. To obey the commands of 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…”

Question

- Thaddeus Stevens closing remarks in the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson 1868

Answer 1

In his closing remarks during the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson in 1868, Thaddeus Stevens emphasizes the primary duty of the president of the United States: to obey the constitution and ensure the faithful execution of laws. Stevens argues that the president does not have the authority to legislate or adjudicate laws. Instead, their duty is to comply with and enforce the commands of the nation's sovereign power, and to ensure that others also obey them. Stevens asserts that any attempt by the president to evade this responsibility would be a direct violation of their official oath.