June 10
Article I - On the Preamble
The weekly posts on this website are intended, not to provide detailed analysis, but to encourage and provoke thought and reflection on issues connected to the Constitution, and especially the Preamble to the Constitution. In the coming weeks and months, for example, we might consider how, as voters, we might use our votes to “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity” in the upcoming presidential election. It seems reasonable to expect that responsible citizens, when considering their votes, will have regard for the candidates who best encourage and demonstrate respect for our system of government and the laws and norms that make that system work. Which candidates have made a public commitment to “promote the general welfare”, as opposed to the welfare of certain individuals or groups?
Article II - On the Constitution
In keeping with the theme of age and term limits, the following is a concrete proposal for an amendment to the Constitution that would address previously noted concerns:
Proposed 28th Amendment: On Age and Term Limits (subject to further revision)
Section 1
All officers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government (i.e., all those holding office, whether elected or appointed, in one of the federal branches) are subject to mandatory retirement upon reaching 75 years of age.
Section 3
Members of the House of Representatives are limited to serving a total of 12 years, or six consecutive or non-consecutive 2-year terms.
Section 4
In the interests of equity among the three branches of government, the President is limited to serving a total of 12 years, or three consecutive or non-consecutive 4-year terms.
Section 5
Members of the Senate are limited to serving a total of 12 years, or two consecutive or non-consecutive 6-year terms.
Next: The Supreme Court