The present system of student government was a relatively late addition to Clemson University life. Prior to 1950 limited student authority resided with the Senior Council, made up of 9 seniors, and largely related to matters of conduct. The Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) came closest to being an independent student organization, administering the religious activities on campus and publishing the student handbook. Although a constitution was drawn up in 1950 that established a form of government similar to the one today, it was not until 1955, when Clemson ceased to be a military school, that student self-government was able to flourish.

Clemson Agricultural College, as it was called at the time, suffered from a series of student walkouts in its early years. These protests, which ocurred in 1902, 1908, 1920, and 1924, were triggered by conflicts with the administration, particularly about matters of cadet discipline. Ine July of 1924, President Earle presented to the board of trustees a petition by the student body to establish a student government to represent their interests. The trustees did not act on it and the proposal foundered. Shortly after, in the fall of 1924, 500 students walked out in protest over the dismissal of a fellow cadet for alleged drinking. The action resulted in the dismissal of nearly 200 students and an aftermath of considerable negative publicity for the college. Alumni writing to President Earle repeatedly cited the lack of student government as one of the key issues behind the walkouts.

One June 1, 1926, The Tiger published a "Constitution of Student Government," drawn up by all of the class councils and approved by the entire student body. The students were designated the Brotherhood of Tigers and would be represented by members of their councils. The plan included the creation of a judicial arm, the Investigating Board and Courts, which would gather evidence and act as a trial court in matters of student discipline. In 1941 the Senior Council wrote a draft "Constitution for the Student Body of Clemson College." It detailed policies and rules and provided that student representatives would work with the trustees and other school officials. However, there is little or no evidence that any of these early incarnations went beyond the drawing up of a constitution.

Spring of 1950 saw the creation of still another constitution. This finally established a fully representative formd of student government, with executive, legislative and judiciary branches. By 1952 it looked much like the student government of today. There were three branches: Executive Committee, Student Assembly, and a judicial arm that continued to be administered by the Senior Council. In the mid-1960's, the attorney general and court seats became elected positions.

In addition to the high court, two special courts were created during this time to deal specifically with housing rules and freshman. Men and women were subject to different dormitory regulations regarding curfews, going off campus, and having visitors. A separate women's court was established to deal with problems that arose. The freshman, or "Rat" Court, was also created at this time to preside over violations of "Rat" regulations and traditions. The "Rat" system derived from customs handed down from Clemson's military school heritage and was intended to instill school spirit through various activities devised and supervised by upperclassmen. The need for these special courts declined as specific restrictions concerning women were lifted and the "Rat" traditions discontinued towards the end of the 1960's. By 1969 only two courts remained, the High Court and the Court of Lesser Appeals.

Along with changing status from a military school to a civil institution in 1955, two other events had a significant impact on the sudent body. The first was the decision to admit women, which also ocurred in 1955. The second was the desegregation of Clemson College in 1963 with the admission of Harvey Gantt into the architecture program. This latter event was particulary notable for the lack of violence or disruption that attended it, unlike many schools in the South. In 1974, just over 10 years after Clemson was desegregated, Reginald Brantly became the first African-American president of the student government. Much later, Tracy Malcolm became the first woman president in 1990.

Over time, the student government has been responsible for a variety of services to the campus community. For a number of years it was responsible for the library copiers, rental of dorm refrigerators, and campus shuttles. It also created a legal aid program in the mid-1970's that gave student oversight of homecoming, parking, Greek affairs, and many other areas. In addition, student government is responsible for allocating funding to recognized campus organizations.