During constitutional reconstruction, radical republicans hoped to avoid the reinstatement of the power and influence of the southern planters and former Confederates, as well as to prevent the reestablishment of slavery or any form of racial discrimination in the new southern governments. They also sought to ensure that the rights of formerly enslaved African Americans were protected and that they were granted full citizenship and equality under the law. Additionally, they wanted to prevent the southern states from rejoining the Union without accepting the conditions and reforms imposed by the federal government.
