Reconstruction Era
After the Civil War was finally over, the states had to be re–admitted into the Union. While the slaves were freed by the 13th Amendment, many southern states continued to target them and discriminate. The Freedman's Bureau was created in order to assist those recently released from slavery. They were taught to read and write if needed and were offered food and shelter.
After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson was elected President. Unfortunately, he sided with the southern states and vetoed radical bills while passing others that suppressed the rights of the freedmen. This gave the Republicans a sweep on the mid–term elections and Constitutional Conventions returned some rights to the former slaves such as the right for the intelligent men to vote.
In 1867, an Act was passed for a more efficient government. Tennessee was the only state excluded from the new laws since they had already been readmitted into the Union in July of 1866 and ratified the 14th Amendment. This Amendment was one of the most controversial in the history of the united States up to that time and many states were forced to ratify the Amendment before returning to the Union. The 14th Amendment is still the most litigated Amendment to this day.
When Congress returned in 1866, they overturned many of President Johnson's decisions, created the Freedman's Bureau, and passed the Civil Rights Act. Getting the people of the states to agree to new state Constitutions and ratify the federal Constitution were another situation altogether. Because of this, Congress had to pass a new Act which declared the majority of voters would be counted as to whether or not a state conformed and came back into the Union. Since the opposition refused to vote, Congress simply changed the rules to suit their need.