Memorial Regarding the Abolition of the Presidency
ca. 2/1868
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The petitioners in this memorial argue that only two types of governments are possible: absolute monarchy and absolute democracy. They point out that Andrew Johnson abused the power of the presidency, and the only way to remedy that was impeachment. However, Johnson was acquitted, which the petitioners argue show just how powerful the Executive office had become. They believed the only solution was to radically amend the U.S. Constitution to abolish the presidency, and transfer the power to a body chosen by Congress and supervised by a standing committee.
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“Had they then been blessed with an Andrew Johnson, [the Founders] would probably have bethought themselves of another disposition of the executive power,” said these petitioners. President Andrew Johnson’s unpopular policies after the Civil War and disregard for Congress led some Americans to believe the Presidency had become too powerful. Their solution was to get rid of the Presidency altogether.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Senate.
National Archives Identifier: 25466022
Full Citation: Memorial Regarding the Abolition of the Presidency; ca. 2/1868; Records of the U.S. Senate, Record Group 46. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/memorial-regarding-the-abolition-of-the-presidency, March 29, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.