How Would You Amend the U.S. Constitution (If At All)?

So far in the 116th Congress, lawmakers have introduced 58 resolutions to amend the U.S. Constitution in a variety of ways.

The Constitution hasn’t been amended since the 27th Amendment was ratified on May 7, 1992, which prohibits a newly authorized congressional pay raise from taking effect until the next Congress is seated.

The politically challenging process of ratifying an amendment to the U.S. Constitution ― which requires passage in both chambers of Congress by a two-thirds majority and ratification by three-fourths of the states (38 states) ― is a big part of the reason it’s been nearly three decades since the last amendment was ratified.

But setting aside the political challenges and practicalities, what constitutional amendment(s) ― if any ― would you like to see adopted? As food for thought, here’s an overview of the 58 proposed amendments in Congress now:

• 13 would require that the federal budget be balanced.
• 9 would impose term limits on Congress.
• 5 would regulate campaign finance laws to restrict corporate contributions.
• 3 would abolish the Electoral College.
• 3 would cap the number of Supreme Court justices at nine.
• 3 would either prevent Congress from delegating certain powers to federal agencies or require congressional approval for certain regulations.
• 2 would restrict the pardon power of the president.
• 2 would prohibit the desecration of the American flag.
• 2 would guarantee legal equality on the basis of sex.
• 2 would require that only U.S. citizens be considered in the congressional apportionment process.
• 2 would guarantee voting rights.

Individual proposed amendments would: 

• Abolish the income tax.
• Clarify that only persons, not corporations, have constitutional rights.
• Guarantee the right to healthcare.
• Guarantee the right to education.
• Guarantee the right to nutrition, housing, education, and healthcare. 
• Lower the voting age to 16.
• Prohibit Congress from getting paid if the government is shut down.
• Prohibit Congress from getting paid if a budget isn’t agreed to.
• Require that bills in Congress only address one subject.

Let us know what amendments you’d like to see adopted (or not) in the comments below!

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / DNY59)