Presidential Biographies | Andrew Johnson Administration - Johnson and Congress

Johnson and Congress

Johnson's term included the Thirty-ninth (1865–67) and the Fortieth Congresses. Both of these Congresses were completely dominated by the Republican Party (or, as it was called in the Thirty-ninth Congress, the Unionist Party). The Republicans were not an entirely unified voice, having conservative, moderate, and radical wings. The conservatives were most likely to agree with Democrats and with President Johnson. The Radicals were the most extreme, calling for extensive reform. But the moderate Republicans, which had counted Lincoln among their members, were the largest group and, through cooperation with one of the other wings, could control policy.