Civil Rights and Reconstruction Era

A series of flashcards covering key concepts from the Civil Rights and Reconstruction Era, focusing on legislation, political events, and organizations.

Civil Rights Bill

Legislation that guaranteed ex-slaves citizenship and entitlement to rights similar to white citizens.

Impeachment

The process through which a sitting president can be charged with 'high crimes and misdemeanors' by the House, leading to a trial presided over by the Chief Justice.

Edwin Stanton

Secretary of War during Andrew Johnson's presidency, who was involved in the impeachment process.

Ku Klux Klan

A secret society founded in 1866 that terrorized the black community and their supporters to prevent voting and Republican elections.

Viva Voce

A method of voting by voice rather than secret ballot.

Civil Rights Act of 1875

An act that provided equal access to public accommodations and transportation, which was later struck down by the Supreme Court.

15th Amendment

An amendment ratified to ensure voting rights regardless of race.

Grand Old Party (GOP)

Nickname for the Republican Party, which aimed to continue Radical Reconstruction.

Poll tax

A fee required to vote that disproportionately disenfranchised blacks and poor whites.

Literacy test

A test conducted to determine a person's literacy, often used to disenfranchise voters.