Referendum vs. Amendments

 

National Referendum

By now it should be obvious to most voters that the federal government has become dysfunctional, grid-locked, and almost evenly divided by politicians who care more about themselves or private interests than the country. It is unable to govern effectively because of the divisiveness. Our Constitution, written in the eighteenth century, although a giant leap forward in its time, is not suited for the present fast moving culture of the twenty-first century. The ability of the voters to modify the Constitution to fit present circumstances is woefully inadequate. A two-thirds majority of Senators and Representatives must approve the proposal and three fourths of the states must approve it.

In almost every statewide election in Florida, there are proposed changes in laws and regulations. I suggest the next Constitutional Amendment be The Referendum Amendment. Voters need to be involved with making timely changes in the Constitution.

The Referendum Amendment might work like this: If 5% of registered voters in every state sign identical petitions for an amendment, then that proposed amendment would appear on the next presidential election ballot. Every voter in the country would then vote on that amendment.

Conservatives would be able to put a balanced budget, line item veto, or term limits amendment to a national vote. Liberals could propose national health care, a ban on assault weapons, repeal of the Second Amendment, etc.

The National Referendum Amendment certainly beats having rioters in the Capitol or another Civil War.