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What is the act of granting a pardon to a whole group called?

Answer :

Final answer:

Granting a pardon to a whole group is known as amnesty, which has been exercised by heads of state like governors and U.S. Presidents, including President Johnson in 1865, and President Carter during the Vietnam War.

Explanation:

Granting a pardon to a whole group is known as an amnesty. This act is often seen in the context of political decisions where heads of state, such as governors or the President of the United States, exercise their power to absolve individuals or groups of blame for crimes, potentially securing their release from prison. Notable examples include President Johnson's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in 1865 and President Jimmy Carter's blanket amnesty for draft evaders during the Vietnam War. The act of granting amnesty can have significant political and social impacts, as it has the power to forgive large groups for offenses committed, usually for the sake of reconciliation or political expediency.