Explain why Tillman wanted a new Constitution for SC. What did he think was wrong with the current one?

Answer 1

During his time as governor of South Carolina, Benjamin Tillman believed that the state's current Constitution, which had been adopted in 1868 during Reconstruction, was outdated and reflected the interests of the wealthy elite rather than the majority of the population. Tillman argued that the Constitution was a relic of a bygone era and did not adequately address the needs and concerns of the state's growing population, particularly poor farmers and laborers.

Tillman was a populist and believed in the need for a more democratic and responsive government that would better represent the interests of the common people. He criticized the existing Constitution for its lack of provisions for progressive reforms, such as equitable taxation, regulation of monopolies, and protection of labor rights. Tillman also believed that the Constitution enshrined racial inequalities and disenfranchisement, which perpetuated the power of the privileged few.

In pursuing a new Constitution for South Carolina, Tillman aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable government that would better serve the needs of the majority of the population. He sought to address issues of economic inequality, political corruption, and racial discrimination that he believed were perpetuated by the existing Constitution. Tillman's efforts ultimately led to the adoption of a new Constitution in 1895, which introduced significant reforms and laid the groundwork for the modern governance of the state.