John Adams

by David McCullough

Then a proposal that the Senate have a say in the removal of cabinet officers—a proposal put forth by Senator Maclay—set off fierce debate. To the Federalists, the bill was a flagrant attempt to diminish the power of the President to the benefit of the Senate, and they adamantly objected, arguing that the removal of ranking officials in the executive branch must be at the sole discretion of the President. Adams met with several senators—he was “busy indeed, running to everyone,” according to Maclay’s journal. Most important, he convinced Tristram Dalton of Massachusetts to withdraw his support for Maclay’s bill. Then, when the vote proved a tie, Adams performed his only legislative function and cast his vote against the measure.

Didn’t the impeachment power exist from the beginning?