- Image by infinitewhite via Flickr
South Carolina is a state deep in South USA bordering Georgia. It was one of the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Britain. It was also one of the first states to secede from the union thereby precipitating the Civil War. It was a staunch supporter of the Confederate moment and there still are issues about the popular and prominent display of the Confederate flag in the State. The flag has even received and enjoyed official support by the government.
The government in South Carolina is similar to the organization of government in various other states. The government has three branches – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Historically, South Carolina has always had a very strong legislature and a weak executive. Until 1865, Governors were not elected by the citizens of the state but were appointed by the legislature. Needless to say, this always placed the legislature in a very strong position as compared to the Executive.
In all, there are nine offices in the government that require the incumbent to be elected by popular vote. These posts include that of the Governor, the Attorney General, and the officer in charge of Agriculture, Treasury and Education.
As is the case in all other states in America, Governors elected by popular vote, serve a term of four years and are entitled to remain office for two consecutive terms.
The state was reintegrated back into the Union after Reconstruction. Since reconstruction, the state has always voted in favor of Democrats. This trend continued until 1964. Except for 1976, the state has always voted in favor of Republicans in the presidential election and the state is considered a Republican stronghold. The state sends six congressmen to the House Of Representatives and two senators to represent the state in the hundred member Senate.
