Stevens believes that Johnson should be removed from office primarily because of his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. According to Stevens, by removing Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton from his cabinet without the approval of the Senate, Johnson violated the Act and undermined the authority of Congress. Stevens argues that this act by Johnson constitutes a high crime and misdemeanor, making him unfit to hold the office of President. He sees Johnson's actions as a direct challenge to the power and sovereignty of Congress and believes that removing him from office is necessary to preserve the separation of powers and the integrity of the presidency. Additionally, Stevens also opposes Johnson's policies and views him as an obstacle to the Reconstruction efforts.
