Question

Why did Senator Edmund Ross vote not guilty in the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson? A. He wanted to get back at Johnson's enemies by upsetting their plans. B. He sincerely believed that Johnson had not committed an impeachable offense. C. He had served with Johnson in the war and knew him to be an honorable man. D. He represented a state that had supported Johnson in the last election.

Answer 1

B. He sincerely believed that Johnson had not committed an impeachable offense

Answer 2

B. He sincerely believe that Johnson had not committed an impeachable offense.

Senator Ross's vote allowed Johnson to stay in office, as they failed to reach the 2/3's majority in order to impeach. Ross believed that even if Johnson had been outside of his authority in replacing Stanton, it was not an offense worthy of impeachment.