Revisiting the US Constitution: Proposed Reforms for Modern Times

The United States Constitution, while a foundational document, has aspects that may no longer be relevant in today's society. Two key areas that stand out for revision are the 2nd Amendment and the Electoral College. In this article, we will explore why these provisions need updating and propose new ways to approach them.

The Case for Updating the 2nd Amendment

One of the most controversial topics in the US is the 2nd Amendment, which currently guarantees the right to bear arms. However, the language of the amendment is ambiguous and often leads to misinterpretation. Here is a proposed rewrite to make the amendment clearer and more inclusive:

The right of the individual law-abiding private citizens of the United States of America to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. This right shall not be usurped by the federal government nor by the states for any reason other than incarceration for felony crimes nor will it be restricted by permits or registration.

This revised amendment aims to clarify that the right to bear arms is for law-abiding citizens and specifically mentions felony crimes as the only potential reason for infringement by the government. It also clarifies that permits or registration should not be required, ensuring a more straightforward approach to the right to bear arms.

Eliminating the Electoral College

The Electoral College, a system used to elect the President of the United States, is another outdated and controversial provision. Replacing the Electoral College with a popular vote totals system would modernize the democratic process and ensure that every citizen's vote carries equal weight.

Proposed Revisions for the Amending Process

In addition to these specific amendments, the process for amending the Constitution should be updated. Currently, the process for ratification is cumbersome and slow. One proposed revision is to allow direct democracy, where the Constitution can be amended by public referendum if a certain threshold of voters is reached. Specifically:

The ratification of amendments should be done by a direct national vote, requiring a majority of 55% to pass. The House and Senate would be able to propose amendments with a two-thirds majority (60 votes in the Senate and 300 votes in the House).

Addressing Overhanging Constitutional Issues

Another outdated provision that needs addressing is the 2nd Amendment's mention of a "well-regulated militia." Modern police forces, such as local police, state troopers, FBI, and the National Guard, may effectively serve the role of a regulated militia in the 21st century. Therefore:

We should clarify that the right to bear arms is already sufficiently covered by the regulation of these well-armed civil authorities. A musket from 1789 might be permissible for legal, licensed, and responsible adults under strict conditions.

Additionally, to ensure election transparency and fairness, we must eliminate the Electoral College and transition to a direct popular vote. This would mean that any citizen in any state gets one vote with equivalent value to any other citizen, thereby eliminating the arcane electoral loopholes and shenanigans.

Conclusion

With over 250 years since its drafting, the US Constitution has evolved significantly. The 2nd Amendment and the Electoral College are just two aspects that need updating for the 21st century. By clarifying the right to bear arms, eliminating the Electoral College, and streamlining the amending process, we can ensure that the Constitution remains a living and relevant document for generations to come.