What was the outcome of Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act?

What was the outcome of Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act?

• A. It was passed with unanimous support
• B. It was overridden by Congress
• C. It became law after a national referendum
• D. It was subsequently declared unconstitutional

Answer: (B)

The outcome of Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act was that it was overridden by Congress. This marked a significant moment in American legislative history, as it demonstrated the growing commitment of Congress to civil rights, particularly in the context of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Initially, President Andrew Johnson opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, believing it exceeded the authority of the federal government and interfered with the rights of states. However, Congress, motivated by a desire to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans and driven by the strong support of the Republican party, gathered the necessary votes to override Johnson's veto. This action was pivotal in establishing the legal basis for civil rights protections in the United States and set a precedent for congressional authority over presidential vetoes in matters of civil rights legislation.

The outcome of Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act was that it was overridden by Congress. This marked a significant moment in American legislative history, as it demonstrated the growing commitment of Congress to civil rights, particularly in the context of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Initially, President Andrew Johnson opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, believing it exceeded the authority of the federal government and interfered with the rights of states. However, Congress, motivated by a desire to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans and driven by the strong support of the Republican party, gathered the necessary votes to override Johnson's veto. This action was pivotal in establishing the legal basis for civil rights protections in the United States and set a precedent for congressional authority over presidential vetoes in matters of civil rights legislation.