Only two presidents in United States history have been impeached by the House of Representatives: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. This verified explainer outlines the specific charges against each, the political context of their impeachment votes, and what happened in the Senate trials that followed. While both were impeached, neither was removed from office, and neither faced conviction on the articles that led to impeachment. The facts below clarify timelines, outcomes, and the distinction between impeachment as a political and legal process.
Defining impeachment and its constitutional basis
Impeachment in the United States is a constitutional process, not a criminal one. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, which functions as an indictment. The Senate holds the sole power to try impeachments, and a two-thirds majority is required to convict and remove an official from office. Impeachment is designed for serious misconduct, including treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors. It is distinct from criminal prosecution and does not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The consequences of a Senate conviction are removal from office and, in some cases, disqualification from holding future federal office.
Andrew Johnson: impeached in 1868
Background and context
Andrew Johnson, who became president after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, clashed frequently with Congress over Reconstruction policy. Tensions centered on how to reintegrate Southern states and protect the rights of freed people. Johnson opposed key congressional measures and removed officials appointed under his predecessor, actions that critics argued violated the Tenure of Office Act.
Articles of impeachment and Senate trial
In February 1868, the House approved 11 articles of impeachment, most of which focused on Johnson’s removal of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton in violation of the Tenure of Office Act. The Senate trial in March 1868 ended when one senator’s vote against conviction left the tally one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed. Johnson remained in office, but the impeachment cemented limits on presidential power in relation to congressional Reconstruction plans.
Verified details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| President | Andrew Johnson | Historical record |
| Date impeached by House | February 24, 1868 | Congressional record |
| Articles approved | 11 articles | House journal |
| Senate vote result | Not convicted; 35 guilty, 19 not guilty | Senate journal |
| Required majority | Two-thirds (36 of 54 votes at the time) | Constitutional requirement |
| Outcome | Acquitted, remained in office | Historical record |
Bill Clinton: impeached in 1998
Background and context
Bill Clinton faced impeachment nearly 130 years after Johnson, amid a period of intense partisan division and a contentious election cycle. The catalyst was an investigation into his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice. The House, then controlled by Republicans, advanced articles against Clinton based on these findings.
Articles of impeachment and Senate trial
In December 1998, the House passed two articles of impeachment: perjury before a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The Senate trial concluded in early 1999, with neither article reaching the two-thirds threshold for removal. Clinton completed his second term without removal from office. The episode underscored the role of politics and partisanship in impeachment decisions.
Verified details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| President | Bill Clinton | Historical record |
| Date impeached by House | December 19, 1998 | Congressional record |
| Articles approved | 2 articles (perjury, obstruction) | House journal |
| Senate vote result | Not convicted; perjury article 45–55, obstruction 50–50 | Senate record |
| Required majority | Two-thirds (67 of 100 votes at the time) | Constitutional requirement |
| Outcome | Acquitted, remained in office | Historical record |
Key similarities and differences
- Both Johnson and Clinton were impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate and remained in office.
- Johnson’s case centered on executive-legislative powers under Reconstruction; Clinton’s centered on personal conduct and testimony under investigation.
- The political composition of the House and Senate differed in both eras, influencing the outcomes.
Impeachment versus removal and common misconceptions
A frequent point of confusion is equating impeachment with removal from office. In reality, impeachment is only the House’s charge; removal requires a Senate conviction. No U.S. president has ever been removed through this process. Additional misconceptions include the belief that impeachment requires criminal guilt; the standard is political misconduct as defined by the Constitution. Partisan dynamics have historically shaped both the decision to impeach and the decision to convict or acquit.
Why a third president has not been impeached
Despite calls to impeach various presidents over the years, only Johnson and Clinton have completed the House impeachment process. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 amid impeachment proceedings, meaning the House did not vote to impeach. Other presidents have faced investigations or censure but not formal impeachment. The high threshold of political will and evidence, combined with the Senate’s removal standard, explains the rarity of completed impeachments.
Frequently asked questions
- What does impeachment mean? Impeachment is a formal accusation by the House that a president has committed high crimes or misdemeanors.
- Have any impeached presidents been removed? No; Johnson and Clinton were both acquitted by the Senate and served their full terms.
- Did Nixon face impeachment? No, Nixon resigned before the House voted on articles of impeachment.
- Can a president be impeached for policy disagreements? The Constitution specifies treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors, not mere policy disputes.
Bottom line
The two presidents impeached by the House are Andrew Johnson (1868) and Bill Clinton (1998). Both were acquitted in the Senate and remained in office. Impeachment is a political and constitutional remedy that does not require criminal conviction. Understanding the historical record and legal distinctions helps clarify common misunderstandings and long-term implications for the office.