The controversial law had been invoked during the impeachment trial of Johnson in 1868 .
The Tenure of Office Act was passed by Congress in 1867 , sponsored by Radical Republicans , to curb the power of the President Andrew Johnson in making government office appointments .
The controversial law had been invoked during the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson in 1868 .
The Tenure of Office Act was passed by Congress in 1867 , sponsored by Radical Republicans , to curb the power of the President Andrew Johnson in making government office appointments .