Question

Which statement best describes the government participation of African Americans during Reconstruction?
African Americans were excluded from participating in government at any level.
African Americans participated widely in local government in the South.
African Americans became the most powerful voice in Southern state governments.
African Americans were elected to positions in local, state, and national government.

Answer 1

African Americans were elected to positions in local, state, and national government.

During Reconstruction many Black men held local offices (sheriffs, city councils), served in Southern state legislatures, and several were elected to the U.S. Congress (e.g., Hiram Revels, Blanche K. Bruce).