Identify and describe the importance of one major piece of reconstruction legislation.

I would also add the revenge aspect of Reconstruction legislation.  Many Northerners wanted to punish the South before allowing them back into the Union.  There was quite a bit of debate/arguing over the ease vs. difficulty states should face in being restored their place in the U.S.

The amendments became a part of the punishment, but also the oaths taken by former soldiers would play a part in that as well, as well as legal action taken against political leaders, allowing former politicians back into office, etc.

abraham lincoln  (february 12, 1809  – april 15, 1865) was an american statesman, politician, and lawyer who served as the 16th  president of the united states  from 1861 until  his assassination  in april 1865. lincoln led the nation through the  american civil war, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis.[2][3]  he preserved the  union,  abolished slavery, strengthened the  federal government, and modernized  the u.s. economy.