Description

There is growing sentiment among the American people and scholars of our democratic system that the governmental structure created by the Constitution is in crisis, if not irrevocably broken. In response to endless partisan bickering, the undemocratic nature of the Electoral College, growing restrictions on voting, gerrymandered representative districts that block real competition and lifetime appointments of federal judges, a number of reform initiatives for change have been brought forward. This presentation will discuss the constitutional reforms that are most prominent among scholars, pundits and concerned citizens. Reforms such as direct election of the President and Vice-President, term and age limits on both congressional representatives and federal judges, greater flexibility in voter registration and ballot access, and expansion of the political party system to encourage additional entities to challenge the Democrats and Republicans. Although bringing change to our constitutional system is complicated and difficult to achieve, the flaws in the way we elect our leaders and make policy decisions require a vibrant discussion of pathways to change.