What act passed in 1867 aimed to limit presidential power regarding the removal of civil officers?

The Tenure of Office Act of 1867 was designed to restrict the president's authority to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval. The act was enacted during a period of intense political conflict and aimed to protect members of the Cabinet and other civil officials who had been appointed by previous administrations, particularly those from the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era.

The significance of this act lies in its attempt to check presidential power and maintain a balance between the executive and legislative branches. It was a pivotal issue during the presidency of Andrew Johnson, who frequently clashed with Congress. Johnson's defiance of this act contributed to his impeachment, underscoring the act's importance in the context of presidential authority and the balance of power during Reconstruction.

In contrast, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 focused on protecting the civil rights of African Americans; the Emancipation Proclamation was primarily a wartime measure that freed slaves in Confederate states; and the Reconstruction Act aimed to provide a framework for the reintegration of Southern states into the Union, which were separate efforts related to the challenging social and political landscape after the Civil War.