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Tenure of Office Act

Definition

The Tenure of Office Act was a federal law enacted by the United States Congress in 1867, during the Reconstruction Era. It restricted the power of the President to dismiss certain officeholders without the Senate's approval.

Analogy

Think of this like a school rule that says you can't just kick someone out of your group project without talking to your teacher first. The teacher (the Senate) has to agree with your decision before anything happens.

Related terms

Impeachment: This is a process where an official, such as the president, is accused of unlawful activity and which may lead to their removal from office. In this context, it's important because President Andrew Johnson was impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act.

Reconstruction Era: This is a period after the Civil War when Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union. The Tenure of Office Act was part of many laws passed during this time.

Andrew Johnson: He was the 17th President of United States who assumed presidency after Lincoln's assassination. His violation and impeachment due to Tenure Of Office Act is significant in US history.