What was the primary function of the Tenure of Office Act?

The primary function of the Tenure of Office Act was to prevent presidents from firing cabinet members without Senate approval. This legislation was enacted in 1867 during the Reconstruction era, primarily aimed at restricting President Andrew Johnson's power to remove officials from their positions without the consent of the Senate. The act was a reaction to the political tensions of the time, as it sought to protect certain officials, particularly those aligned with Congress, from being dismissed by a president who was seen as opposing Congress’s policies.

This accountability mechanism was intended to maintain a balance of power between the executive branch and Congress. The Tenure of Office Act ultimately played a significant role in the impeachment proceedings against Johnson, as he violated the act by attempting to remove Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, which was one of the pivotal charges brought against him. Understanding this context illustrates the act's significance in American political history and its implications for executive authority and legislative oversight.