There were only twelve Democrats in the Senate, but all were known to be in favor of acquittal.

When the test came on the 16th of May, seven Republicans voted with the Democrats for acquittal on the eleventh article.

Another vote on the 26th of May, on the first and second articles, showed that conviction was not possible.

The radical legislative reaction was thus checked at its highest point and the presidency as a part of the American governmental system was no longer in danger.

The seven Republicans had, however, signed their own political death warrants; they were never forgiven by the party leaders.
The presidential campaign was beginning to take shape even before the impeachment trial began.