South Carolina Constitution Article XIII - Militia
Article XIII – Militia of the South Carolina Constitution establishes the framework for the state's militia forces, including their organization, authority, and civilian control.
📜 South Carolina Constitution – Article XIII: Militia
Here is a summary of its key provisions:
🔑 Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1 – Composition of the Militia
The militia consists of all able-bodied male citizens of the state (typically aged 18 to 45), subject to legal exemptions.
The General Assembly has authority to organize, equip, and discipline the militia.
Section 2 – Governor as Commander-in-Chief
The Governor is the Commander-in-Chief of the state’s military forces, except when they are called into the service of the United States.
Section 3 – Organization and Discipline
The General Assembly is responsible for providing laws to govern the organization and discipline of the militia.
It also has the power to exempt certain individuals or classes.
Section 4 – Appointment of Officers
Officers of the militia are appointed as prescribed by law, typically by the Governor or through elected methods authorized by the legislature.
Section 5 – Use of the Militia
The militia may be called upon to execute state laws, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions.
🏛️ Purpose and Modern Relevance:
Although initially focused on traditional state militias, today this article primarily pertains to the South Carolina National Guard and State Guard, which are components of the organized militia under both state and federal law.
The article reflects South Carolina’s constitutional authority over its military forces while aligning with federal regulations governing the broader U.S. armed forces and National Guard system.
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