Congress usurped President Johnson's powers as commander in chief of the armed forces during Reconstruction.

On the book The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, written by Chester G. Hearn, he gave details on how President Johnson was being manipulated by Congress. Under the Reconstruction Act created by Congress, it gives authority to military tribunals to remove or suspend those who are in the government. However, President Johnson vetoed it. The bill gave power to the military commanders which exempted them from their actions, which is more than the president's power as commander in chief. President Johnson explained that he would not submit himself because he was entrusted with the power for execution of the laws to any official or officer