Answer:
Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction was far more conciliatory than that of the Radical Republicans. Lincoln issued a Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in late 1863, long before the war was over; but long after a Union victory was virtually assured. His plan called for amnesty for all those who fought against the Union except for Confederate Officers and government officials, particularly those who had held Federal positions to aid in the rebellion. He also provided for the Southern states to form new governments when ten percent of each state's citizens who had voted in the 1860 election swore allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and received a presidential pardon. Lincoln's position was that the states had not left the Union, but were merely "in rebellion." He based his authority on his constitutional authority to enforce the laws of the country and his pardon power.