The Constitution of South Carolina in 1868, which followed the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction, drastically differed from earlier versions in several key ways:
1. Universal male suffrage: The constitution granted voting rights to all adult males, regardless of race or previous status as enslaved individuals. This was a significant departure from the earlier versions which only allowed white male landowners to vote.
2. Equal protection under the law: The Constitution of 1868 provided for equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of race. This was a direct response to the discriminatory practices of the previous constitutions, which had upheld slavery and segregation.
3. Provision for public education: The 1868 constitution included a provision for public education, ensuring that all children in the state had access to free and equal schooling. This was a departure from earlier versions which did not prioritize public education.
4. Increased rights for African Americans: The Constitution of 1868 granted African Americans the right to serve on juries, hold public office, and receive equal protection under the law. This was a significant change from the earlier versions which had denied these rights to African Americans.
Overall, the Constitution of South Carolina in 1868 represented a more inclusive and progressive document that sought to establish equality and civil rights for all citizens, regardless of race.
how was south carolinas constitution of 1868 different from earlier versions
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