South Carolina's current constitution is a unique reflection of America's cultural and political history. It has roots dating back to the state's original colonial charter, and today's text comprises an uneasy alliance of its post-Civil War history, its late 19th century return to segregation, and the post-1960s liberalizing reforms. Graham's discussion of this state constitution illustrates the success of positive political forces in a Deep South state often stereotyped nationally as negative or backward. His conclusions challenge students and advocates of constitutional reform to continue revision efforts, making this volume an important contribution to the study of state politics and the principles of democratic government. This volume traces the history and evolution of South Carolina's constitution over three centuries and offers a detailed, section-by-section commentary on its current text. Graham references legal cases, commission reports, historical scholarship, current debates, and other relevant material to highlight the changing interpretations of the constitution over time. A bibliographic essay and list of cases illustrate significant sources for further study.