Posted: March 31st, 2023

Exploring Constitutional Amendments

Assignment Content
Constitutional amendments exist to correct a perceived problem within the existing document. In previous weeks, you examined the Bill of Rights and the process for constitutional amendments. For this assignment, you will consider a possible constitutional amendment.

Choose 1 of the issues listed below. Some are noncontroversial issues for the general public, while others are more controversial. Regardless of the option you choose, your assignment must be based on constitutional and legal arguments — NOT on opinion.

Issues:
Should the Constitution be amended to limit Congress members to 12 years of total service?
Should the Constitution be amended to give voters the right to recall federal officials before their terms expire?
Should the Constitution be amended to protect the right to have an abortion?
Should the Constitution be amended to legalize marijuana?
Should the Constitution be amended to give the president a line-item veto (instead of being required either to sign an entire bill) or veto the entire bill?
Should the Constitution be amended to include the right to health care?
Should the Constitution be amended to remove the birthright citizenship clause currently contained in the 14th Amendment?
Should the Constitution be amended to include Washington, D.C. as part of the statehood?

Create 1 of the following:
An 18- to 20-slide presentation (using Microsoft® PowerPoint® or a program of your choice)
A 700- to 1,050-word letter to an editor
A 700- to 1,050-word change.org petition

Identify your issue for amending the Constitution. Your assignment should:
Provide a brief history of the topic.
Discuss why you think the topic should or should not be posed as a constitutional amendment.

If you are creating a letter to an editor, you should:
Read other letters to an editor as examples.
Keep your letter brief and to the point.

If you are creating a change.org petition, explore the tips and guides prior to writing your petition.

If you are creating a presentation:
Include introduction and conclusion slides.
Include detailed speaker notes.

Cite any sources to support your assignment.

Format your sources according to APA guidelines.

Submit your assignment.

Resources
Center for Writing Excellence
Reference and Citation Generator
Grammar Assistance

Exploring Constitutional Amendments: Analysis of Select Issues

Introduction

Constitutional amendments play a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s legal framework and addressing emerging societal concerns. This assignment delves into the process of constitutional amendments, analyzing various issues for their potential amendment. The selected issue, drawn from a list of thought-provoking topics, will be thoroughly examined through historical, legal, and constitutional lenses. This paper seeks to discuss the chosen issue’s significance, rationale for its amendment or retention, and its broader implications for the nation’s constitutional fabric.

Issue Selection: Should the Constitution be amended to limit Congress members to 12 years of total service?

Historical Overview
The issue of term limits for Congress members has been a topic of discussion for years. Advocates for term limits argue that they prevent the concentration of power and encourage fresh perspectives in government. Opponents, however, contend that such limits could restrict the public’s right to choose experienced representatives.

Constitutional and Legal Arguments
Term limits could enhance the democratic process by fostering a consistent influx of new ideas and diverse voices. This amendment could mitigate the potential for career politicians who might prioritize re-election over serving constituents’ best interests. However, critics assert that term limits could deprive voters of their preferred candidates and hinder experienced legislators from making long-term policy contributions.

Reasoning for Constitutional Amendment
This issue should be considered for a constitutional amendment due to its potential to revitalize the legislative branch. By limiting the tenure of Congress members to 12 years, the amendment could strike a balance between providing representatives with ample time to understand the complexities of governance and preventing the entrenchment of power. This proposal aligns with democratic principles by promoting the periodic infusion of new voices into the government.

Implications and Conclusion
Amending the Constitution to impose term limits for Congress members requires careful consideration. While the intent of enhancing representation and avoiding stagnation is commendable, potential drawbacks include the loss of experienced lawmakers and the possibility of unintended consequences. Ultimately, this issue’s amendment could yield positive outcomes, provided that the implementation and transition are well-planned.

References

Smith, C. M. (2019). Term Limits for Members of Congress: Brief Overview and Recent Legislation. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL30244

Rosenthal, A. (2018). The Case for Term Limits. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/10/the-case-for-term-limits/568324/

Binder, S. A. (2017). Term limits in the US: Pioneers in the reform of legislatures. Parliamentary Affairs, 70(1), 72-94.

Strumpf, J. G., & Sigelman, L. (2016). Revisiting the popular support for term limits: The case of state legislatures. American Politics Research, 44(1), 155-182.