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State Mottos

A list of US state slogans is available, as well as a list of US state nicknames, origin of the state names, and the state resident's names.

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South Dakota Symbols

South Dakota State Motto

"Under God the people rule"

Adopted in 1885.

Language: English

Focus: Religious and People

South Dakota motto was adopted as part of the state seal. It was suggested by the Reverend Joseph Ward, founder of Yankton College, at the 1885 Constitutional Convention. It was adopted as the South Dakota motto, as an element of the state seal in the 1885 constitution and in the 1889 constitution.

The wording in the South Dakota Constitution, pertaining to the motto, reads:

Properly divided between the upper and lower edges of the circle shall appear the legend, "Under God the People Rule" which shall be the motto of the state of South Dakota

There are four states with mottos that mention "God." Most people would probably regard them as being religious mottos:

Arizona: "Ditat Deus" This means "God Enriches in Latin."
Florida: "In God We Trust." -- identical to the current national motto
Ohio: "With God, All Things Are Possible." This is a direct biblical quotation from the King James Version of Matthew 19:25-26: "When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
South Dakota: "Under God, The People Rule."

There are three other states with mottos that make reference to "God."

Colorado: "Nothing Without Providence"
Connecticut: "He Who Transplanted Still Sustains"
Maine: "I Direct"

There are three states with mottos that focus on the people:

Arkansas: "The People Rule"
Missouri: "The Welfare of the People"
South Dakota "Under God the People Rule"

Constitution

South Dakota Constitution, Article 21, Section 1.

ARTICLE XXI - MISCELLANEOUS.
SECTION 1 - SEAL AND COAT OF ARMS.

§ 1. Seal and coat of arms. TThe design of the great seal of South Dakota shall be as follows: A circle within which shall appear in the left foreground a smelting furnace and other features of mining work. In the left background a range of hills. In the right foreground a farmer at his plow. In the right background a herd of cattle and a field of corn. Between the two parts thus described shall appear a river bearing a steamboat. Properly divided between the upper and lower edges of the circle shall appear the legend, "Under God the People Rule" which shall be the motto of the state of South Dakota. Exterior to this circle and within a circumscribed circle shall appear, in the upper part, the words, "State of South Dakota," in the lower part the words, "Great Seal," and the date in Arabic numerals of the year in which the state shall be admitted to the union.

Mottos of the States

State motto is a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on or attached to a coin, building, or other object. A state motto expresses an important idea for a group of people within the state.

motto ('mä-(")tO)
n.

Etymology:
Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter
Date: 15th century

1: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

2: a short expression of a guiding principle