March 27 in Presidential History: Andrew Johnson Vetoes the Civil Rights Bill

March 27, 2026

On March 27, 1866, President Andrew Johnson vetoed the Civil Rights Bill of 1866 — a groundbreaking law that would have given citizenship and equal rights to all people born in the United States, including formerly enslaved African Americans. This veto was a huge moment in Reconstruction after the Civil War, and it set up a big fight with Congress.

What Was the Civil Rights Bill of 1866?

Passed by Congress in early 1866, it was one of the first laws to define U.S. citizenship and protect basic rights like owning property, making contracts, and testifying in court.
It aimed to protect Black Americans from “Black Codes” (unfair laws in Southern states that limited their freedoms after the Civil War).
The bill said: No state could take away rights based on race or color.

Why Did Johnson Veto It?Johnson, a Southerner who became president after Lincoln’s assassination, believed the bill gave too much power to the federal government and interfered with states' rights. In his veto message, he said it was “unconstitutional” and would cause chaos.

He also thought it gave rights to immigrants and Native Americans too quickly.
Johnson wanted a slower Reconstruction where Southern states could make their own rules.

What Happened After the Veto?

Congress was furious! They overrode Johnson's veto on April 9, 1866 — the first time they ever overrode a major presidential veto.
This fight led directly to the 14th Amendment (ratified in 1868), which made the Civil Rights Bill's ideas part of the Constitution.
It deepened the split between Johnson and Congress, leading to his impeachment in 1868 (he was acquitted by one vote).

Kid-friendly version
Imagine if a new rule said everyone gets the same fair chance at school, but the principal says “No!” and vetoes it. That's what Johnson did. Congress said “We override you!” and made the rule anyway. It helped make America fairer for everyone!

Quick March 27 Fun Facts

The veto message was long and angry—Johnson wrote it himself, complaining about “radical” changes.
Over 2/3 of Congress voted to override—showing how much they wanted equal rights.
This event helped spark the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th) that ended slavery, gave citizenship, and protected voting rights.

March 27, 1866, reminds us that big fights in history can lead to even bigger wins for fairness and equality. President Johnson's veto didn't stop progress—it actually helped make the 14th Amendment stronger!

What do you think—should presidents be able to veto laws they don’t like, or should Congress always have the last say?

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