After comparing and contrasting the Ironclad Test Oath with the Amnesty Oath, which document was harsh and which lenient towards confederates, with two quotes from each oath for support, please?

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Karyth Cara eNotes educator| Certified Educator

The Ironclad Test Oath (August 1862) was proposed by Radical Republicans in the two houses of Congress and was opposed by President Lincoln who vetoed it but was approved by Andrew Johnson when he became President. It requires individuals to swear that they never did bear arms against or in any other way ever oppose the U.S. government:

Ironclad Test Oath: [I, ___] do solemnly swear  (or affirm) that I have never voluntarily borne arms against the United States since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto;...

The Amnesty Oath the Lincoln proposed and favored required swearing the henceforth and for the future the individual would not bear arms against or in any other way oppose the U.S. government. The difference between the two being past, present and future (Ironclad Test Oath) versus present to future (Amnesty Oath), thus forgiving actions taken in the past.

Amnesty Oath: I, (repeat full name), do solemnly swear, in the presence of almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder, and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully support...