Reconstruction Acts of 1867-1868

There were numerous discussions on how the former Confederate states might re-join the Union after the civil war. There was an attempt to change the 11 Confederate States that had broken away from the Union in some ways. Following his murder, Andrew Jackson, the next president, intended to continue Abraham Lincoln's mild Reconstruction policy. However, the more extreme Republicans and strong anti-slavery organizations were dedicated to equal rights for Blacks who had been freed and supported harsher measures. These organizations played a significant role in creating the Reconstruction Acts.

Ten rebel states were divided into five military districts under the terms of the first bill, and each district was tasked with creating a new constitution that would be approved by the US Congress. In 1867–1868, three further acts were approved that dealt with how the new state constitutions would be drafted and adopted.