South Carolina's decision to ratify the Constitution was influenced by a few key factors that differentiated it from some other states. Two major deciding factors for South Carolina were:
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Protection of Slavery: South Carolina sought assurance that the new Constitution would not threaten the institution of slavery, which was vital to its economy and social structure. This was a significant concern for Southern states, and the Constitution included provisions that safeguarded slavery, making it more palatable for South Carolina to ratify.
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Regulation of Foreign Commerce: South Carolina was also motivated by the Constitution's provisions for regulating foreign commerce. The state was interested in having a stable framework for international trade, which could benefit its economy, particularly through the export of its agricultural products like rice and indigo.
Overall, South Carolina's decision to ratify was driven by the desire for economic stability and the protection of its social order, which were critical to its interests at the time.