There have been seven cases of impeachment before the United States Senate. (See pages 131, 138 and 333.)

Pertinent Questions.

When, near the close of the late war, General Grant commanded all the armies of the Union, had he any superior officer? (That is, was there any officer higher in rank than he?) Who is commander-in-chief of the United States army today?  Who is the highest purely military officer, and what is his rank?

Name the members of the present cabinet.  If you wanted to trade with the Indians, to whom would you make application for permission?

Can the president pardon before trial?  What cases can he not pardon?  Name some one pardoned by the president.  Could he pardon prisoners confined for breach of state law?  Where does the general government confine its prisoners?

What is the smallest number of senators that could confirm or reject a treaty?  What is meant by the executive session of the senate?  How could you witness the proceedings at such a session?  How large a vote is necessary to confirm a nomination of the president?

What is an ambassador?  A minister?  A consul?  What is meant by “inferior” officers?  By “civil service reform?”

State the principle which seems to cover the matter of removals.

Have you read the president’s last annual message?  What “information” did he give to congress?  What “recommendations” did he make?  How was the message delivered to congress?  What “extra sessions” of congress do you remember?  What ones have you read about in books?  When were the different extra sessions called?

Give the number of bills vetoed by each president.

Has the president ever had to adjourn congress?  For how long could he do it?  How is the British parliament prorogued?

Where do impeachments originate?  By whom are they tried?  Who may be impeached?  What for?  Can persons who have ceased to be officers be impeached?  What is the extent of sentence?  Was President Johnson impeached?  How is an impeachment trial conducted?  What persons have been impeached?

Prepare a tabulation telling: 

1.  Mode of election of president (general statement only) 2.  Qualifications. 3.  Term. 4.  Vacancy. 5.  Salary—­constitutional provision; law. 6.  Powers. 7.  Duties.

CHAPTER XXIV.

ARTICLE III.—­THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

In the two articles so far considered, we have studied about the law-making and the law-enforcing branches of the government.  We shall next examine the third great branch, the one which interprets and applies the laws.

SECTION I.—­ORGANIZATION.

The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court,[1] and in such inferior courts as the congress may from time to time ordain and establish.[2] The judges both of the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior,[3] and shall at stated times receive for their services a compensation[4] which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.[5]