“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 [making a judgment on] the laws of his country fall in no way to his 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

“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 [making a judgment on] the laws of his country fall in no way to his 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…”

—Thaddeus Stevens, Closing Remarks in the Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson, 1868
Question
Use the quotation to answer the following question:

According to the quotation, why does Stevens believe that Johnson should be removed from office?

(4 points)

Answer 1

Stevens believes that Johnson should be removed from office because he believes that Johnson has disobeyed the commands of sovereign power and has not faithfully executed the laws of the country. Stevens argues that this is a direct violation of Johnson's official oath as President.

Answer 2

According to the quotation, Thaddeus Stevens believes that Andrew Johnson should be removed from office because Johnson is violating his official oath by attempting to escape the duty of obeying and enforcing the commands of sovereign power.

Answer 3

According to the quotation, Thaddeus Stevens believes that Andrew Johnson should be removed from office because Stevens argues that the chief duty of the President of the United States is to obey the Constitution and ensure the faithful execution of laws. Stevens asserts that the responsibilities of legislation and adjudication do not fall under the President's role. Therefore, Stevens believes that Johnson should be removed from office because he claims that Johnson's attempt to avoid obeying the commands of sovereign power of the nation would be a direct violation of his official oath.