- Event type: CREATE_FROM
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.
Joint Committee of Fifteen on Reconstruction
A special joint committee made up of nine members from the House of Representatives six members of the Senate. This committee was formed to inquire into the condition of the states in rebellion.
To see the full record of a committee, click on the corresponding committee on the map below.
Session 8909: 1866-01-23 00:00:00
A resolution to admit members-elect from rebellious States immediately is received by the Joint Committee.
Document View:
Resolution to Admit Members-Elect from Rebellious States Immediately
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.
Decisions yet to be taken
- Resolution to Admit Members-Elect from Rebellious States Immediately (introduced on 1866-01-23 00:00:00 - CREATE_FROM - e870479) [This document]
Document Timeline
- Resolution to Admit Members-Elect from Rebellious States Immediately (introduced on 1866-01-23 00:00:00 - CREATE_FROM - e870479) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]