Constitution Change

Preamble to My New Constitution

This government has only the powers specified in this constitution. The sole justification of these powers is the protection of the rights of the individuals within the borders of the country, both citizens and all others. Furthermore, thought there is no duty to protect the rights of others, when the government acts outside the borders of the country, it must also act in accordance with this constitution, and refrain from violating the rights of individuals anywhere.

This is meant to state the purpose of government, so there will be a clear basis for future interpretation of the constitution. It is also meant to make it clear that it is based on the idea that rights are inherent in individuals, not "citizens." There is no conferring of rights, no requirements, and no excuse for violating those rights (Hamilton, p.12-19).

Implementation

With the establishment of this constitution, all existing laws will be voided in 2 years. Existing laws are also immediately subject to the provisions and limitations laid out here. The idea here is to rid the country of all unnecessary laws, and those that might conflict with the new constitution, within a reasonable time. Two years should be enough time to establish any necessary new laws that are needed and fair.

The Legislature

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Bills for new laws will be presented by any member of the Senate or House of Representatives. Each law proposed shall be on a single issue, and must designate which clause in the constitution authorizes it. Passage requires a yes vote from 2/3 of both the House and the Senate, and then the signature of the president (Kahn, p.20-29).

The "single issue" clause will make "pork" and "earmarks" less likely, and provide a constitutional basis to challenge legislation. The two thirds part is meant to make it tough to create new laws, assuring us that there is broad agreement and support for any new legislation. The "line item veto" will further reduce the possibility of garbage in new legislation. Designating the part of the constitution that authorizes a law reminds all involved that their powers are limited to those outlined in this document. Finally, this part makes it explicit that the president is merely an executive, not a primary law maker.

Elections

President: The president shall ...