How did the period of Reconstruction affect the role of government in the United States?

A  During Reconstruction the power of the federal government diminished significantly. States were free to succeed from the Union at their discretion. The Constitution was considered to be nothing but a simple compact between the states.

B  Through a series of key Constitutional amendments, the notion of what it meant to be an American was redefined to reflect the principles of legal equality. The federal government assumed unprecedent powers of enforcement in order to guarantee these new civil rights.

C  Reconstruction ushered in a period of political conservatism which explicitly limited the rights of African Americans. The Constitution of the United States was amended to count blacks as 3/5ths of a person for apportionment purposes.

D  During times of economic prosperity Americans tended to favor more federal programs directed at solving social crises like poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. However, as the economy spiraled downward most were reluctant to support federal spending of any kind.

E  None of the above.

F  All of the above.