What law required presidential approval for the dismissal of certain officials during the Reconstruction era?

The law that required presidential approval for the dismissal of certain officials during the Reconstruction era is the Tenure of Office Act. Enacted in 1867, this legislation aimed to restrict the power of the president by mandating that any official appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate could not be dismissed without Senate approval. This act was primarily designed to protect members of President Andrew Johnson's cabinet, particularly Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, who was sympathetic to the Radical Republicans.

The significance of the Tenure of Office Act lies in its role in the political struggles of the Reconstruction era, particularly between Congress and the presidency. Johnson's violation of this act by attempting to remove Stanton from office led to his impeachment. This event highlighted the ongoing tensions regarding the balance of power within the federal government during a time of significant change following the Civil War.