Question

what happened when president johnson vetoed (refused to sign) radical reconstruction laws?

Explanation:

Identify the historical conflict

President Andrew Johnson, favoring a lenient approach to the Southern states, repeatedly clashed with the Radical Republicans in Congress who sought stricter terms and civil rights protections for formerly enslaved people.

Analyze the congressional response

When President Johnson vetoed the Reconstruction Acts (radical reconstruction laws) in 1867, Congress utilized its constitutional power to override his vetoes with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.

Determine the outcome

As a result of the veto overrides, the Reconstruction Acts became law despite the President's opposition, initiating the era of Radical Reconstruction and placing the South under military district administration.

Answer:

Congress overrode President Johnson's vetoes with a two-thirds majority vote, allowing the Radical Reconstruction laws to be enacted and put into effect.