How was the South Carolina constitution of 1868 different from previous state constitutions
The South Carolina Constitution of 1868, also known as the Reconstruction Constitution, differed significantly from previous state constitutions in several ways:
1. Universal Male Suffrage: The 1868 constitution introduced universal male suffrage, allowing all adult men, regardless of race or previous condition of servitude, the right to vote. This was a significant departure from previous state constitutions that limited suffrage to white men or included property qualifications.
2. African American Representation: The 1868 constitution ensured African American representation in state government. It included provisions that allowed African Americans to hold political offices and serve in the legislature, which was a radical departure from the previous state constitutions that had excluded African Americans from political participation.
3. Public Education: Another notable change was the inclusion of provisions for public education. The 1868 constitution mandated the establishment of a statewide public school system, ensuring that education would be available to all children in South Carolina. This was a significant departure from previous state constitutions, which did not prioritize public education or, in some cases, outright prohibited it for certain segments of the population.
4. Equal Protection: The 1868 constitution included provisions for equal protection under the law. This meant that all residents of South Carolina, regardless of race, were entitled to equal treatment and legal protection. The previous state constitutions had not explicitly guaranteed such equal protection, often containing racially discriminatory laws or practices.
5. Reconstruction Reforms: As the Reconstruction era followed the Civil War, the 1868 constitution reflected several reforms aimed at socio-economic and political change. It incorporated provisions to protect labor, prohibited property qualifications for office-holding, and established land reforms to aid formerly enslaved individuals in acquiring property.
Overall, the South Carolina Constitution of 1868 marked a significant departure from previous state constitutions, espousing principles of equality, inclusivity, and democratic governance.