Question

How did white legislators justify their removal of duly-elected African American legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction?

A.
They claimed that recent election results were caused by voter fraud.

B.
They claimed that African Americans had the right to vote but not to hold office.

C.
They claimed that African Americans were US citizens but not citizens of Georgia.

D.
They claimed that recent election results were caused by unconstitutional redistricting.

Answer 1

C. They claimed that African Americans were US citizens but not citizens of Georgia — arguing that, while freedmen might be citizens of the United States (and even able to vote), they were not eligible under Georgia law to hold state office.