“ 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 command 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 indirect violation of his official path…”

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 command 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 indirect violation of his official path…”

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

Use the quotation to answer the following question:
According to the quotation, why does Steven believe that Johnson should be removed from office?

Answer 1

According to the quotation, Thaddeus Stevens believes that Andrew Johnson should be removed from office because he failed to faithfully execute the laws and commands of the Constitution and sovereign power of the nation. Stevens argues that Johnson's attempt to escape this duty constitutes an indirect violation of his official path.