Final answer:
The relationships between the federal government and state governments in the South underwent significant changes from Presidential Reconstruction to Congressional Reconstruction. Presidential Reconstruction was more lenient towards the former Confederate states, while Congressional Reconstruction was more forceful in protecting the rights of freedmen and implementing stricter policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Reconstruction, the relationships between the federal government and the state governments in the South underwent significant changes from Presidential Reconstruction to Congressional Reconstruction. Under Presidential Reconstruction, initiated by Andrew Johnson, the approach was more lenient towards the former Confederate states. The focus was on the quick reunion of the states, benefiting non-slaveholders and neglecting the rights of former slaves.
In contrast, Congressional Reconstruction, which took place after Johnson's presidency, was more forceful. The Republican-controlled Congress sought to implement stricter policies that would protect the rights of freedmen and punish the former slaveholders. This led to the passage of the Reconstruction Acts of 1867, which divided the South into military districts and mandated new state constitutions that granted suffrage to freedmen.
In summary, the shift from Presidential Reconstruction to Congressional Reconstruction involved a transition from a more lenient approach to a more assertive one, with a stronger focus on safeguarding the rights of freedmen and rebuilding a new social and political order in the South.