Change doesn't come easily; it never does. But when it comes to the bedrock of our society, the Constitution of the United States, it's time for a change. Our institutions and democratic principles must adapt to the reality and sensibilities of the 21st century. Recent events have reinforced the dire need for such change. We must cease to allow a convicted criminal and an insurrectionist to ever run for office. 

This is not just an overhaul of our current Constitution**; it's a bold step towards progressive change. Several Western democracies have modernized their constitutions in the last 20 years, reflecting nuanced understanding of democracy and human rights (The Comparative Constitutions Project); it is high time the United States followed suit.

We have a proposed draft, developed with input from constitutional experts and reflective of our diverse societal needs. Still, to make this change requires support from the people. Therefore, this petition aims to gather signatures to compel our government to take meaningful action.

Patriots, here's your chance to make history. Let's legislate the past to safeguard the future of our nation. Sign the petition and be part of this historic movement.

 

 

 

Proposed Constitution of the United States

 

Preamble

 

We, the People of the United States, recognizing the necessity of adapting our governance to meet the challenges of the 21st century while retaining the core values of justice, liberty, and democracy, establish this Constitution to serve the people. The purpose and intent of this document shall take precedence over any unintended consequences of its wording, and no interpretation shall supersede the principles of fairness, equality, and representative governance it is designed to uphold.

 

 

 

Article I: The Legislature

 

Purpose: To create a fair, efficient, and accountable legislative body that represents the interests of the people, ensures political diversity, and operates without undue influence from wealth or entrenched power.

 

Section 1: Congress Legislative powers are vested in Congress, consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives. Congress shall represent the diverse population of the nation through a system that ensures no party holds an enduring majority and that policies are driven by coalitions and consensus.
Section 2: Political Parties To foster diverse representation, no fewer than three political parties shall be eligible to appear on the ballot for any federal election. Coalitions between parties are encouraged to reflect the range of perspectives across the country. No political party shall dominate, and every election must include opportunities for collaboration across party lines.
Campaigns and Elections: Candidates for federal office must run based on policies and ideas, not just party affiliation. Negative campaigning against others is strictly prohibited.
Section 3: Campaign Financing Each candidate shall receive an equal budget for campaigning, funded publicly to eliminate financial disparity between candidates. Private donations, corporate funding, and personal wealth shall not be used to influence campaigns, ensuring that all candidates operate on a level playing field. An independent electoral commission will audit campaigns to ensure compliance, with significant penalties for violations.
Section 4: The House of Representatives Representatives shall serve four-year terms. Elections will be conducted using ranked-choice voting to ensure inclusive and representative outcomes. The number of Representatives will be adjusted according to the census to reflect population changes.
Salaries: Representatives shall earn a salary indexed to the national median household income, ensuring that public office is a service, not a means to wealth.
Section 5: The Senate Senators shall serve six-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms to prevent political entrenchment. Senate elections will be conducted using a proportional representation model, ensuring that the Senate reflects the population's diverse views.
Salaries: Senators will earn the same salary as Representatives, reinforcing the notion that serving in Congress is a duty, not a career.
Tie-Breaking Procedure: In the event of a tie vote, the Senate shall utilize a rotating system of tie-breakers selected from among its members, with the requirement that there is always an odd number of Senators present to ensure a definitive outcome. The tie-breaking member will be selected at the beginning of each session and will have a single vote in case of a tie.

 

 

 

Article II: The Executive

 

Purpose: To ensure effective governance through a clear division of responsibilities between the executive's focus on foreign affairs and national security and domestic policy managed through coalition-building, while maintaining the President's ultimate authority as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief.

 

Section 1: The President The President is the Chief Executive of the United States and retains ultimate responsibility for the execution of all federal laws, as well as the nation's foreign policy and national security. The President is also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces. The President may override decisions made by the Vice President for just cause, including national emergencies or significant policy failures. This authority shall not be exercised arbitrarily or for trivial reasons. Such authority should only be exercised in extreme circumstances.
Unless time is of the essence, the Vice President may appeal the President's decision to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate for further consideration.
The President shall be elected by national popular vote and serve a six-year term, with no eligibility for re-election.
Section 2: The Vice President The Vice President shall act as the Chief Operating Officer of the domestic policy branch, overseeing the development and implementation of domestic policy. The Vice President shall focus on ensuring that coalition-driven policies, reflecting the will of a diverse electorate, are executed efficiently. While the Vice President’s role is expanded to handle domestic affairs, it is understood that the President retains ultimate executive authority and can intervene in domestic matters for just cause, as outlined above.
Section 3: Vice President's Role in the Senate Under the new system, the Vice President shall not serve as the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, thereby allowing the Senate to function independently of the executive branch. This change is designed to promote a more balanced and collaborative legislative process, reducing the potential for executive overreach into legislative functions.
Section 4: Impeachment The President may be impeached by a petition signed by 1% of the national population, which shall trigger an investigation by the House of Representatives. The House shall have the exclusive authority to impeach the President for high crimes and misdemeanors, abuse of power, neglect of duty, or acts that undermine the Constitution. The Senate shall conduct a trial to determine whether the President shall be removed from office, requiring a two-thirds majority for removal.
Congressional Power: The House of Representatives retains the power to initiate impeachment proceedings independently of the citizens' petition process. This dual mechanism ensures that both the populace and the legislature can hold the President accountable for misconduct.

 

 

 

 

 

Article III: The Judiciary

 

Purpose: To maintain a fair, independent, and accountable judiciary that adapts to evolving societal needs while remaining free from political influence.

 

Section 1: The Supreme Court Justices shall serve for 18 years, after which they shall not be eligible for reappointment. This term ensures that the judiciary reflects contemporary values without succumbing to undue influence or the risk of lifetime appointments.
Section 2: Lower Courts Lower federal judges shall also be subject to fixed terms, proportionate to their level in the judicial system, ensuring a continuous adaptation of the courts to changing legal and social realities.
Section 3: Judicial Independence The appointment and removal of judges shall follow a transparent process, with provisions for public accountability to safeguard against political influence and ensure judicial independence.

 

 

 

Article IV: Civil Rights and Liberties

 

Purpose: To guarantee the protection of individual rights and liberties in the face of evolving societal and technological changes, ensuring all citizens are treated equally.

 

Section 1: Right to Privacy All individuals have the explicit right to privacy, especially concerning personal data, digital communications, and information. This right shall not be infringed upon without due process of law.
Section 2: Equal Protection No person shall face discrimination under the law on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. The government shall actively work to ensure that laws and their application remain fair and just across all demographics.
Section 3: Environmental Rights Every individual has the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. The government shall take measures to protect and preserve the natural resources and ecosystems for current and future generations.

 

 

 

Article V: Fiscal Responsibility

 

Purpose: To ensure the long-term economic stability of the nation through responsible fiscal policies, including the management of national debt and a commitment to a balanced budget.

 

Section 1: National Debt The national debt shall be fully paid off within ten years of the ratification of this Constitution. A detailed plan for repayment shall be submitted by the President to Congress within six months of ratification.
Section 2: Balanced Budget Requirement The federal government shall operate under a constitutional requirement for a balanced budget. No appropriation shall exceed the total revenue collected in any fiscal year, except in cases of national emergency, which must be declared by a three quarter majority in both houses of Congress.
Section 3: Enforcement of Fiscal Policies A Fiscal Responsibility Commission shall be established to monitor and ensure compliance with the balanced budget requirement. The Commission shall consist of non-partisan experts in economics and public finance and shall report annually to Congress.

 

 

 

Article VI: Amendments

 

Purpose: To ensure that the Constitution remains adaptable while protecting its core principles from undue manipulation.

 

Section 1: Amendment Process Amendments to the Constitution shall require approval by a three-fourths majority in both houses of Congress or a convention called by three-fourths of state legislatures. Amendments regarding the structure of elections, campaign finance, or political party rules shall require unanimous approval from the states, ensuring that these foundational principles remain nearly immutable.

 

 

 

Article VII: Political and Electoral Integrity

 

Purpose: To establish a system where elections are fair, transparent, and focused on policies rather than personal or financial advantage.

 

Section 1: Campaign Budget and Elections Every candidate shall receive an equal, publicly funded budget, with strict prohibitions on the use of private, corporate, or personal funds. This ensures that campaigns are based on ideas and policies, not financial resources. The length and cost of campaigns shall also be limited by law.
Section 2: Non-Partisan Election Oversight All elections shall be overseen by an independent electoral commission to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with campaign finance rules.

 

 

 

Article VIII: Public Service and Accountability

 

Purpose: To ensure that public office remains a civic duty and not a path to wealth or long-term careerism.

 

Section 1: Congressional Salaries and Benefits Salaries for members of Congress shall be set at the level of the national median household income. Members shall receive basic health and retirement benefits, similar to those available to the general public, and shall be prohibited from receiving gifts or any other financial benefits associated with their office.
Section 2: Term Limits All members of Congress shall be limited to serving two consecutive terms, with a mandatory break of one full term before becoming eligible to run again. This limitation is designed to encourage fresh perspectives and reduce the influence of entrenched politicians.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

This proposal serves as a blueprint for a more equitable, representative, and accountable government that adapts to the complexities of the modern world while upholding the fundamental principles of democracy and justice. We seek to build a nation where governance is reflective of the people's will, ensuring that our system remains strong, responsive, and dedicated to the public good.