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  1. Overview: United States Fourteenth Amendment & The Civil Rights Act of 1866
  2. Full Record: United States Fourteenth Amendment & The Civil Rights Act of 1866
  3. Committee:The House of Representatives
  4. Session: 1866-01-17 12:00:00
  5. Event type: CREATE

United States Fourteenth Amendment & The Civil Rights Act of 1866

An amendment to the Constitution of the United States that granted citizenship and equal rights, both civil and legal, to Black Americans, including those who had been emancipated by the thirteenth amendment.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives of the Thirty-Ninth Session of Congress

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Session 5478: 1866-01-17 12:00:00

John N. Goodwin enters the House; H. Res. 43 is proposed and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; Mr. Grider submits resolutions to be referred to the Joint Committee on Reconstruction; the House continues to consider H. R. 1

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Resolution to Admit Members-Elect from Rebellious States Immediately

There are 0 proposed amendments related to this document on which decisions have not been taken.

Resolved, That the United States Government grants the power peaceably, or if necessary by arms, "to enforce the laws, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion;" but the General Government cannot by any action whatever destroy itself nor the State governments; nor can the State governments destroy either, or legally disturb the harmony of the whole. All the grants and powers under the Constitution are conservative, none destructive; wherefore all the States have been and are always in the Union.

Resolved, That when the United States Government suppressed the insurrection it only vindicated its constitutional power and preëxisting rights, and no more; and the rights and powers of the Federal and State Governments are all remitted back and assume the same condition and relations sustained before the insurrection, and (except so far as altered or amended) remain unimpaired and in full force and virtue.

Resolved, That the law of Congress apportioning Representatives to the several States (including the insurrectionary States) under the census of 1860 is constitutional and valid, and that members of Congress from all the States, regularly elected under said law, are entitled forthwith to their seats upon taking the oath of office to support the Constitution of the United States.

Resolved, That as a generous kindness and cordial forgiveness consistent with right, now peace exists, are the highest attributes of our nature, and as we must have "one Government, one Constitution, and one people," the glory, protection, and safety of all—cherishing these feelings, we say it is untimely, unjust, and impolitic to insist upon amendments to the Constitution to operate upon all until all are represented in the House and Senate.

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