Governance in Colonial and State South Carolina

Colonial Era (1670s–1776)

British settlers brought representative democracy. Colony divided into counties with elected assembly in Charles Town (Charleston). Laws, taxes set by assembly. Native American consensus-based governance influenced colonial practices—assembly often met with tribal leaders.

Statehood (1788 Onward)

Adopted constitution modeled on U.S. Constitution: three branches (legislative—Senate/House, executive—governor, judicial—Supreme Court + lower courts). Current constitution dates to 1895.

System evolved but remains rooted in democratic representation.