The democracy amendments : constitutional reforms to save the United States / John J. Davenport.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Davenport, John J., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Democracy--United States.

Democracy.

Political participation--United States.

Political participation.

United States--Politics and government.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (328 pages)

Place of Publication:

London, England : Anthem Press, [2023]

Summary:

A vicious spiral of political polarisation, failing government, loss of public faith, and conspiracy-mongers undermining US elections, are pushing the country toward the abyss of political violence. Only deep constitutional change, brought about by a new national convention, can free us from this mess. A sane, comprehensive solution is called for to treat the malaise affecting our body politic. This rescue plan will require a new national convention.

Contents:

Cover

Half Title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication Page

Contents

List of Figures and Tables

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter One The Problems: Why the Federal Government Barely Functions and Polarization Is Rising

I. Crises and the Crumbling Pillars of American Democracy

II. Analysis: Institutional Obstacles

III. The Public's Response: Populism, Polarization, and Impotent Elections

IV. A New Way Forward: Focus on the Root Causes of Our Political Troubles

V. Eight Desiderata to Guide the Choice of Amendments

Chapter Two Solutions I: The Top Ten Amendments to Reduce Polarization and Make Our Government Work

1. Ranked Choice Voting: The End of Two-Party Domination

2. Rotate the Early Primary Elections between All States

3. Open or Semi-Open Primary Elections: End Control by the Extreme Wings

4. Fair Districting: End Gerrymandering and Make Congress More Responsive

5. Campaign Finance and Election Spending Reform

6. Constitutional Voting Rights: Fair and Accessible Elections with Integrity

7. End the Filibuster: Make the Senate Work as the Framers Intended

8. A Proportional House of Representatives: Restore the Framer's House

9. Eighteen Years on the Court Is Enough: Democratizing Judicial Confirmation

10. Robust Civics Education: A National Standard to Empower Citizens

Chapter Three Solutions II: Fifteen Procedural Amendments to Strengthen Democracy and the Rule of Law

11. Representation for Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Permanent Territories

12. Direct Election of the President

13. Commonsense Limits to the Pardon Power

14. The Integrity of All Federal Officeholders: Anti-Corruption Standards

15. Qualifications, Disclosure, Honesty and Professionalism Requirements for Office.

16. An Independent Department of Justice and Professional Civil Service

17. Clear Standards and an Impartial Process for Impeachments

18. Congressional Oversight Powers and Foreign Interference in the Political System

19. Emergencies in Government and Emergency Powers

20. It Is Too Hard to Override Vetoes: Lower the Threshold

21. Loosen Congressional Leaders' Control, Reduce Gridlock, Move Appointments

22. Federal Budget Guarantees

23. Improve Judicial Review: Rational Bases and a Remand Option

24. Senate Apartheid: Ways to Fix the Worst Flaw of All in our System

25. A New Article V: Fix the Amendment Process Itself Interlude: More Amendment Topics Not Yet Covered

Chapter Four How to Pass the Amendments: A New Constitutional Convention

I. A New Hope

II. The Many Potent Advantages of a National Convention

III. Why You Should Not Fear a Convention: "Runaway" Fallacies

IV. How, Then, Should a National Convention Work?

V. Conclusion

Endnotes

Index.

Notes:

Includes index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-83998-664-6

1-83998-663-8

OCLC:

1378393385