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Join us at the table and explore America's story in the words of those who lived it.

Register for "Ratification: The South Carolina Story"

8:55 AM ET - 11:30 AM ET, June 15, 2021 | Hosted by: The South Carolina Council for the Social Studies

When the Constitutional Convention ended in September 1787, a widespread period of public debate over the merits of the plan began. This debate took place out of doors – in churches, taverns and newspapers, by both proponents and opponents – and indoors – in state conventions held in each of the 13 states. The new constitution could not take effect until at least nine states ratified the plan - with state delegates casting a single up or down vote. Over the ratification winter of 1787-88 each state conducted individual state ratification conventions until the magic number was achieved. What happened in South Carolina?

Join us at the (virtual) table as we discuss ratification of the constitution in South Carolina by examining documents drawn specifically from South Carolinians on both sides of one of the most significant debates in American history. How did South Carolinians answer what Alexander Hamilton called “the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.”

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Teaching American History
Testimonial
"It gave me a better understanding of the Founders’ views. They saw that restricting religious liberty is not only wrong; it leads to animosity within society. This year, I will begin both my government class and my class on “Law and Modern Society” with George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport." — Sean B.