South Carolina’s 1st & 2nd Constitutions

South Carolina’s First Constitution

• Adopted before the Declaration of Independence was signed•Written by the Provincial

Congress•Was meant to be temporary…to

last only until things with Great Britain were resolved.

Government of the First Constitution

• Two house (bicameral) legislature–Lower house: elected by the people–Upper house: elected by the lower house

• President of the colony/state–Elected by the legislature–Had the right to veto laws

• The Lowcountry had a greater percentage of representation than the Upcountry.

South Carolina’s Second Constitution• Written after the Declaration of Independence was

signed• Changes:– The “president” was now called the governor– Representation was made more equal– The Church of England was no longer the official, state-

supported church of South Carolina