Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Political Reforms in the United States
We, the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do hereby declare and ordain this Amendment.
Aware of the dangers of political factions and the corrosive effects of a two-party system on democracy, we recognize the need for reforms that will safeguard the principles of freedom, equality, and accountability upon which our nation was founded.
We acknowledge that the Founding Fathers warned against the dangers of a narrow-minded and polarizing political environment, and that they envisioned a government that was responsive to the needs and aspirations of all citizens, not just those of a privileged few.
Therefore, in the spirit of their vision, we propose this Amendment, which seeks to promote fair and democratic elections, ensure transparency and accountability in government, and guarantee that the interests of the people are always put first.
We believe that these changes are necessary to maintain America as a free and prosperous nation, and that they are in keeping with the timeless principles of our Constitution.
Section 1. Election and pay restructuring
Section 1 Reasoning
The President and Vice President shall be elected through a ranked choice voting system in all fifty states, replacing the current first past the post system.
The House shall be elected through direct democratic voting, with proportional representation based on parties. Each party shall receive a number of seats proportional to their share of the national popular vote in the House election. Parties must be registered with the Federal Election Commission and must hold internal elections to determine their candidates.
Politician pay shall be based upon their performance, using the following formula:
Salary = M + (4M * ((10 – U) / 7)) – (M * ((P – 10) / 20))
where:
M represents the median income in the United States
U is the unemployment rate, ranging from 3 (best) to 10 (worst)
P is the poverty rate, ranging from 10 (best) to 30 (worst)
Data shall be acquired from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of labor statistics.
Poverty rate is a measure of the percentage of individuals or households whose income falls below a certain threshold that is deemed insufficient to meet basic living expenses. In this context, poverty rate can be defined as the percentage of individuals whose after-tax earnings are such that the median rent in their area exceeds half of their total income.
Section 2: The Duty of Elected Officials to Serve Their Constituents
Section 2 Reasoning
It is the duty of elected officials to serve the needs and desires of their constituents as a whole, and to act in the best interests of their community and country. When duly elected government officials take money from special interest groups and prioritize the desires of those groups over the needs of their constituents, it undermines the very foundation of democracy and constitutes a betrayal of the public trust.
Subsection 2.1: Violations of the Duty to Serve Constituents
For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“Special interest groups” refers to any organization, business, or individual that seeks to influence public policy or legislation for its own benefit or gain, and which is not representative of the general public or the constituents of the elected official.
“Taking money from special interest groups” refers to any financial contribution or other form of monetary compensation received by an elected official or their campaign from a special interest group.
“Putting the desires of special interest groups over the needs and desires of constituents” refers to any action or policy enacted or supported by an elected official that primarily benefits a special interest group at the expense of the broader community or constituents as a whole.
“Voting on or making policy that benefits special interest groups or the elected official themselves” refers to any action or policy enacted or supported by an elected official that directly or indirectly benefits a special interest group or the elected official, and which is not in the best interests of the community or constituents as a whole.
Any elected official who violates their duty to serve their constituents by taking money from special interest groups, putting the desires of those groups over the needs of their constituents, or voting on or making policy that primarily benefits special interest groups or the elected official themselves, shall be considered to have committed an act of betrayal of the public trust and shall be subject to legal consequences. Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, removal from office, fines, and imprisonment, as determined by applicable law.
Section 3: Restructuring of the Supreme Court
Section 3 Reasoning
The Supreme Court of the United States, as an institution intended to interpret and uphold the Constitution, must be nonpartisan and free from the influence of political factions. However, recent history has shown that Justices often vote along party lines, undermining the credibility and legitimacy of the Court.
To address this issue and promote fairness and impartiality in the judicial system, the Supreme Court shall be restructured as follows:
The Supreme Court shall consist of thirteen (13) members, each elected for a term of twenty (20) years.
Justices shall be nominated by each judicial district and reviewed by the current Supreme Court, which shall assess their qualifications, experience, and character to ensure their fitness for the position.
The Supreme court selects a nominee that shall be submitted to Congress, which shall confirm or reject them by a 2/3rds majority vote.
Justices shall be subject to impeachment and removal for misconduct, incompetence, or violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
By restructuring the Supreme Court in this manner, we hope to restore the public’s faith in the judiciary and ensure that the highest court in the land remains impartial and fair. This will help safeguard the principles of democracy, justice, and equality that are fundamental to our nation’s success.
Section 4: Election Week and Voter Access
Section 4 Reasoning
Election Week: In order to ensure that all eligible citizens have a fair opportunity to vote in national elections, Election Week shall be established as a nationally recognized period of time during which all employees shall be entitled to at least one day off in order to vote. Election Week shall commence on the Monday preceding Election Day and end on the day of the election.
Same-Day Voter Registration: In order to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote, states shall be required to allow for same-day voter registration. Any eligible voter who presents themselves at a polling location on Election Day shall be allowed to register to vote and cast their ballot on the same day.
Voter Affidavits: In order to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote, states shall be required to allow for the use of voter affidavits by voters who do not have a valid photo ID. Any eligible voter who presents themselves at a polling location on Election Day without a valid photo ID shall be allowed to sign a sworn affidavit attesting to their identity, residency, and eligibility to vote.
Enforcement: The Department of Justice shall be responsible for enforcing this section of the law, and may bring legal action against any state or individual who violates these provisions.
By establishing Election Week and requiring same-day voter registration and the use of voter affidavits, this section seeks to ensure that all eligible citizens have equal access to the polls and are able to exercise their right to vote. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our democratic system and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard.