What was the status of soldiers during the drafting process under the Conscription Act?

The correct choice regarding the status of soldiers during the drafting process under the Conscription Act is that all men age 20-45 were required to register for the draft. This was a significant feature of the Conscription Act of 1863, which was enacted during the Civil War when the need for soldiers became urgent.

The law mandated that eligible men had to enroll in the draft, which was a departure from voluntary service. This broad registration requirement aimed to bolster the Union Army’s ranks, ensuring a steady flow of soldiers to address the pressing military needs of the time. The inclusion of all men within that age bracket made it clear that the government was prepared to enlist a substantial portion of the population to support the war effort.

The act also provided mechanisms for substitutes and allowed for purchase of exemptions, which created significant controversy and dissent, particularly among those who were unable to afford such options. However, the core principle was that a wide demographic was compelled to register, highlighting the serious nature of the conflict and the government's approach to manpower during the war.