War Debt

This section served two purposes. First, it protected the national debt from attempts by future Democratic Congresses to reject paying it. Second, it prohibited the United States from paying any of the debt incurred by the Confederacy—including claims made over the loss of emancipated slaves.

Apr 21, 1866

Joint Committee proposes bundled amendment

No discrimination shall be made by any state, nor by the United States, as to the civil rights of persons because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. From and after [July 4, 1876], no discrimination shall be made . . . as to the enjoyment by classes of persons of the right of suffrage, because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. . . . Debts incurred in aid of insurrection or of war against the Union, and claims of compensation for loss of involuntary service or labor, shall not be paid by any State nor by the United States. Congress shall have power to enforce . . .

May 29, 1866

Sen. Howard proposes a citizenship clause

All persons born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the States wherein they reside. . . No person shall . . . hold any office . . . who, having previously taken an oath . . . to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same. . . The obligations of the United States incurred in suppressing insurrection, or in defense of the Union or for payment of bounties or pensions incident thereto, shall remain inviolate.

Jun 13, 1866

14th Amendment Final Text

Section One: All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. . . Section Two: Representatives shall be apportioned . . . Section Three: No person shall . . . hold any office . . . Section Four: The validity of the public debt . . . Section Five: The Congress shall have power to enforce.