Introduction In the world’s history, there have been numerous cases when the mercy of one group of people and the violence and cruelty of another argument over the necessary steps to solve a particular problem. Some political figures have the power to forgive and accept the apology of former protesters, while others choose to severely punish them for trying to rebel. Precisely this division of opinions resulted in the fact that, during the Reconstruction era, Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson decided to follow moderate and merciful policy, while the Radical Republicans insisted on harsher measures. Overall, Reconstruction was the period of time following the American Civil War, when the government tried to solve several economic, political, and social consequences that appeared because of the readmission of the eleven Confederate states. Being considered one of the essential eras in the history of the United States, Reconstruction was marked by the ratification of several crucial amendments that provided people with rights and freedoms. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction and try to find certain justifications for both approaches. Presidential Reconstruction Officially, Presidential Reconstruction was inaugurated in 1865, after Andrew Johnson became the President of the United States. However, it originated when Abraham Lincoln created a unique program called the “Ten Percent Plan,” which was aimed at bringing the South into the Union as quickly as possible. This plan was stated in his “Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction,” which was issued in 1863 and addressed several terms that he expected most Southerners to accept. To begin with, Lincoln chose to provide a full pardon for everyone who participated in the rebellion and restored their property. However, this merciful decision did not extend to the highest military leaders and officials of the Confederate. Further, the states were expected to abolish slavery. Finally, in case ten percent of each state’s voters had sworn an oath to be a supporter of the United States, their states could form new governments and constitutions. His intentions to move towards peace and become a united and strong nation were also indicated in his Second Inaugural Address. This was a rather lenient plan, and Johnson’s strategy was also merciful. As the successor of the former President, Andrew Johnson also decided to provide the Southern states with relatively easy conditions for restoring their status in the U.S., which was also a rather controversial strategy. To begin with, Johnson’s “Proclamation of Amnesty and Pardon for the Confederate States” provided Southerners with an easy opportunity to return their property and status if they supported the U.S. Constitution. The President also excluded high-ranking officers and the political leadership of the Confederates. Further, when the states ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, Johnson allowed several former leaders of the Confederates to get their seats in Congress and proclaimed that all the eleven states had followed the requirements. From his point of view, the Reconstruction was successfully finished, which, however