The government class book / Designed for the instruction of youth in the principles of constitutional government and the rights and duties of citizens.

by Andrew W. Young

South Carolina.

The first constitution of this state was formed in 1775; the present in 1790. Its principal amendments were made in 1808.

Legislature. A senate and a house of representatives, styled general assembly. The house consists of one hundred and twenty-four members, elected for two years in districts, and apportioned according to the number of white inhabitants and the amount of taxes paid therein. Residence in the state three years: and if a resident of the election district, a freehold of five hundred acres of land and ten negroes, or a real estate worth £150 sterling, clear of debt; if a non-resident of the district, a clear freehold of £500 sterling. Senators, forty-five, elected by districts, for four years, one-half every two years; each district, except one, having one senator. Age, thirty years, state residence, five years. If a resident in the district, a clear freehold of £300 sterling; if a non-resident, a freehold in the district of £1,000.

Bills passed by both houses are laws without being presented to the governor.

Executive. The governor and lieutenant-governor are chosen by the legislature for two years. Age, thirty years: state residence, ten years; a clear freehold in the state of £1,500 sterling. A governor is ineligible for the next four years.

Commissioners of the treasury, secretary of state, and surveyor-general, are elected by joint ballot of both houses for four years, and ineligible for the next four years.

Judiciary. Such superior and inferior courts of law and equity as the legislature may establish. The judges are appointed by the legislature during good behavior.

Electors. White male citizens, resident in the state two years, and owning a freehold of 50 acres of land, or a town lot, which he has owned six months; or, not having such freehold, or town lot, resident in the election district six months, and having paid a tax the preceding year of three shillings sterling.

Amendments may be made by a convention called by two-thirds of all the members of both branches. Alterations may also be made by like majorities of two successive legislatures.