Reconstruction

There have been few times in our country when the government has been faced with an astronomically large problem. The recession, the two world wars, and Vietnam are some of the largest problems. Another major event that put the government to a true test is the Reconstruction after the civil war. It was vital for the House, the Senate, the executive branch, and the Supreme Court to work well together. If any of them failed in their jobs it would mean a longer period of time before the country would be a whole again.

The branch of government that had the biggest and most controversial role in the Reconstruction was Congress. With a weak president in office it was imperative for them to be strong and do what they believed to be right. The Republican Party took control of Congress and passed various bills of Reconstruction legislation. These bills included the civil rights acts and several amendments to the constitution. These bills were all drawn up to bring equality to all American citizens. In passing these bills congress gained a great deal of power by showing Johnson that they had the gall to override his vetoes.

In vetoing the Civil Rights Act and the attempt by congress to expand the Freedman s Bureau he showed his incompetence. This was best said by Charles Sumner Slavery has been our worst enemy, assailing all, murdering our children, filling our homes with mourning, and darkening the land with tragedy; and now it rears its crest anew, with Andrew Johnson as its representative .

Congress was bold in their actions against the president. However, had they not been bold, slavery may have continued in the South. Had they not done what was right (overriding Johnson s veto) the system of checks and balances would certainly not have been checked and balanced. Johnson was using his power incompetently and hurting the country. Congress saw this and took action. In their actions they preserved civil rights and gave freedom to many. Many people may say that they upset the system of checks and balances, but had they not upset the system, they would have failed the country and most importantly African-American men and women.

In the end, the executive branch failed the country and Congress saved it. It didn t matter to the Republicans of the Congress who got in their way, anyone that tried got stepped on. They persevered and in the end did the right thing for the nation.