Standard Indicator 8-3.2

SC & THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

1st plan of government for US Adopted during Revolutionary War Weak plan of government Could not solve the problems of

indebtedness and depression for nation Shay’s Rebellion led to a

call for a stronger central government that could control future rebellions

PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION: CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 1787

revise the Articles of Confederation S Carolinians played important role

in writing the Constitution Weaknesses of Articles:

could not tax could not control trade had no court system had to ask states for soldiers

ISSUES DEBATED AT CONVENTION:

Issues Amending the

Articles or writing new constitution

Make-up of government

Allocation of Representatives

Counting of slaves for representation

SC’s Position SC supported stronger

national government & new constitution

Three branch government (Virginia Plan)

Representation based on population (Virginia Plan or large state plan)

Slaves to be counted

ISSUES DEBATED Continued:

Issues Regulation of trade Import Taxes

Strength of President

Requirements for office

Voting requirements

SC’s Position No regulation of exports No regulation of

international slave trade

Strong president (6-7 yr. term)

Aristocratic republic, only property owners could hold office

States should decide

COMPROMISES: Issue of make-up of government

Virginia Plan (large state): 3 Branches legislative, executive, judicial

Issue of representation in legislature Virginia Plan: based on population New Jersey Plan: based on statehood, equal

representation (small state) Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise):

bicameral legislature; House based on population; Senate equal representation 2 per state

SC supported

COMPROMISES cont…….. Issue of slaves being counted in

representation SC & Southern states wanted slaves

counted Northern states were emancipating

slaves & did not want them counted Three-Fifths Compromise: 3/5ths of

slaves counted to determine house representation & for taxation of property SC did not support

Compromises cont……

Issue of trade Commerce Compromise: federal

government would not tax exports or attempt to regulate international slave trade for at least 20 years

OTHER ISSUES:

Strength of President & term of office

Strong executive; 4 year term

SC delegates did not get everything, but were satisfied & returned to SC to lobby for ratification (approval).

RATIFICATION OF US CONSTITUTION:

Convention held in Charleston not Columbia the capital

Lowcountry elite more representation, same as in legislature

Non-delegates greater influence on proceedings & outcome

Upcountry men lived too far away to have a voice

VIEWS ON RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION

Upcountry: anti-Federalists against ratification Opposed strong government Feared elite would have too much

power & abuse the rights of individuals Feared national government would be

too far away from people & already had that problem with the Lowcountry & lack of influence

VIEWS ON RATIFICATION cont….

Lowcountry : Federalists, supported strong government that was: influential in foreign affairs better trade relations & restore

economic stability Charles Pinckney and the elites

OUTCOME RATIFICATION CONVENTION:

Anti-Federalists outvoted by Federalists

SC 8th state to ratify Constitution & join the US

Opposition by anti-Federalists in some states led to Federalists promising to add a Bill of Rights First Congress added Bill of Rights