The Great Reorganization: An Amendment to Reinvigorate American Democracy

In the pursuit towards a more perfect union, it's time to reconsider the traditional framework that has long governed our nation. Our current political environment, which has been monopolized by two political parties, has led to polarization and legislative stalemates, distracting the federal government from passing meaningful legislation. In this chaotic political atmosphere, diverse viewpoints are suppressed or overlooked, which could, in turn, improve American lives. President George Washington warned in his Farewell Address that political parties “are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.” His foresight appears to have come true.

The only lasting way to address our societal challenges is with legislative action, creating new laws or amending the Constitution. The framers of the United States intended for the Constitution to be a living document, one that would change with time to address evolving societal needs and ensure governmental longevity. Amendments have granted Americans many freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, petitioning the government, the right to bear arms, voting rights, presidential term limits, citizenship, and the abolition of slavery. These amendments to our Constitution are important to our success as a nation. Not only does it grant freedoms and rights to our historical shortcomings, but it also signals collective transformation, a new beginning.

Our system is based on checks and balances and the division of power. There are many examples of this. The government is made up of three branches, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, to keep any one particular branch from becoming too powerful. There are nine Supreme Court Justices to provide diverse perspectives on the law, and the number is odd to avoid tie votes.  The House of Representatives has 435 members to ensure a majority vote. Though the Executive Branch is checked by the Legislative and Judicial Branches, it would benefit from the same democratic processes the other branches use.

Amending the constitution to establish a three-member Executive Committee would be a practical and necessary reform. Requiring a two-thirds vote for all major actions would encourage cooperation while preventing unilateral decision-making. Adopting the Supreme Court’s practice of documenting dissenting opinions in situations when votes are not unanimous would help keep the majority accountable and preserve minority opinions for future review. In addition, to limit those without legislative experience, Executive Committee members should have at least two terms in the United States Senate.

The proposed Executive Committee would consist of three equally empowered elected officials who would collectively carry out the nation’s executive responsibilities, including:

Executive Responsibilities

• Enforcing laws passed by Congress

• Serving as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

• Making executive appointments

• Issuing pardons

Legislative Responsibilities

• Exercising veto authority

• Proposing legislation

• Preparing the federal budget

Foreign Policy Responsibilities

• Acting as Chief Diplomats in treaty negotiations

• Managing international relations and appointing ambassadors

This action will require a complete reformation of our voting system. Along with establishing a three-member Executive Committee, it will require abolishing political parties, eliminating public Presidential elections, and adopting a Senate vote for the Executive Committee. This change can foster collaborative leadership, reduce the corrosive influence of partisan rivalry, and reinvigorate our democracy.

Abolishing political parties would remove the root of our political and societal division. These groups prioritize party loyalty above national interest. Without the constraints of political parties, candidates could more directly address the needs of their constituents, free from the pressures of partisan ideology, special interest groups, and political gatekeeping. This change not only encourages cooperation and compromise but also helps neutralize the destructive political pendulum swings that have long destabilized governance.

Members of the Executive Committee would be selected by the Senate through a ranked-choice vote. Eliminating public presidential elections altogether could reduce external interference and vulnerabilities in the current electoral process. By entrusting the Senate with this responsibility, the Executive Branch would be composed of lawmakers demonstrated to be collaborative, effective, and trustworthy. This approach aims to promote stability, strengthen governance, and prioritize long-term visions for the country and its citizens.

To bring this vision to life, we call on citizens, community leaders, and lawmakers to support this Constitutional Amendment. Such an amendment requires approval by two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states, making public engagement and understanding essential. For details on the proposed structure and language, refer to the example amendment below. A three-member Executive Committee, the elimination of political parties, and a complete transformation of Executive Branch selection can pave the way for a more inclusive, accountable, and effective government, one that truly reflects the diversity and complexity of the American people.

Constitutional Amendment

Executive Committee Structure, Ranked-Choice Senatorial Elections, Nonpartisan Federal Governance, and Election Administration Reform

Section 1. Establishment of an Executive Committee.
1. The executive power of the United States shall be vested in a three-member Executive Committee (hereinafter “the Committee”).
2. The Committee shall jointly execute the laws, conduct foreign affairs, command the armed forces, and perform all duties previously vested in the President and Vice President of the United States, except as otherwise provided in this Article.
3. All official actions of the Committee shall require the assent of at least two members.
4. In any case where a decision is not unanimous, each dissenting member shall issue a written opinion explaining their position. Such opinions shall be preserved and made publicly available as part of the official record.

Section 2. Election, Term, and Qualifications.
1. Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the United States Senate using a ranked-choice voting system, as defined by law.
2. Senators shall rank candidates in order of preference. Votes shall be tabulated through successive rounds, eliminating the lowest-ranked candidates and redistributing votes until three candidates remain. Those three candidates shall be declared elected.
3. Each member of the Committee shall serve a term of four years.
4. No person shall be eligible for election unless they have completed at least two full terms as a United States Senator.
5. No person shall be elected to the Committee more than twice.
6. Congress may establish a preliminary selection process, including candidate presentations and deliberations, to reduce the number of eligible candidates prior to the final vote.

Section 3. Vacancy and Removal.
1. In the event of a vacancy, the highest-ranked unelected candidate from the most recent election shall assume office for the remainder of the term.
2. If no such candidate is available or willing to serve, Congress shall provide by law for a method of selection consistent with the principles of this Article.
3. Members of the Committee shall be removed from office upon impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Section 4. Post-Service Restrictions.
1 Any individual who has served as President, Vice President, or as a member of the Executive Committee shall thereafter be permanently ineligible to hold any office, appointment, or employment within the federal government of the United States.
2. This prohibition shall include elected and appointed positions in all branches of government, as well as advisory roles, commissions, and federal employment.

Section 5. Nonpartisan Federal Elections.
1. No political party or organized group shall nominate, endorse, or formally support candidates for federal office.
2. Federal ballots shall not display party affiliation, symbols, or designations.
3. Congress shall have the authority to enforce this section through appropriate legislation.

Section 6. Election Oversight and Administration.
1. The election of the Executive Committee shall be conducted under the supervision of an independent federal authority, which may include an expanded Federal Election Commission.
2. Such authority shall ensure transparency, uniform procedures, and the integrity of the election process.
3. Ballots cast by Senators for the selection of the Executive Committee shall be confidential, except as otherwise provided by law, to protect against coercion, retaliation, or undue influence.
4. Congress shall establish uniform rules governing the administration and certification of the election.

Section 7. Election Day.
1. The day on which the Senate conducts the final vote for the Executive Committee shall be designated as a national holiday.
2. On that day, final candidate presentations shall be conducted, votes shall be tabulated, and the elected members of the Committee shall be publicly announced.

Section 8. Resolution of Election Disputes.
1. Congress shall have authority to provide for recounts, audits, and the resolution of disputes arising from the election of the Executive Committee.
2. Such procedures shall ensure fairness, transparency, and timely resolution.

Section 9. Abolition of the Electoral College.
1. The system of Presidential Electors established in Article II, Section 1, and the Twelfth Amendment is hereby abolished.
2. All constitutional provisions inconsistent with this Article are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Section 10. Transition Provisions.
1. The offices of President and Vice President shall terminate upon the certification of the first Executive Committee elected under this Article.
2. Congress shall enact all legislation necessary to implement and transition to the system established by this Article.
3. All existing laws, treaties, and executive actions shall remain in effect unless amended or repealed.

Section 11. Effective Date.
1. This Article shall take effect for the first federal election occurring no sooner than one year after ratification.

Sign this petition and stand with us as we lead the charge towards a government that is for the people, by the people.