We the People 2.0: Upgrading Our Constitutional Software
Celebrating Our Constitutional Strengths—and Recognizing Opportunities for Growth
The framers of the U.S. Constitution designed a visionary system to balance power and protect liberty. By dividing authority among three branches and reserving specific rights for states and citizens, they created safeguards against concentrated power. Federalist No. 51 famously argued that ambition must counteract ambition, ensuring no single institution could dominate. Meanwhile, the Bill of Rights and the Tenth Amendment reinforced state sovereignty, fostering a dynamic interplay between federal and local governance that remains vital today.
A System Built to Evolve—But Still Flawed
While the Constitution’s core principles endure, some mechanisms have struggled to adapt to modern realities:
The Electoral College: This system, designed as a compromise between direct democracy and state interests, now risks diluting voter influence in non-swing states. In 2016 and 2020, the popular vote winner nearly lost the presidency twice in two decades.
Equal Senate Representation: States like Wyoming (population 580,000) and California (39 million) hold equal Senate power, creating disparities in legislative influence.
Legislative Avoidance: Congress has increasingly deferred critical decisions. Examples include:
Failing to formally declare war since 1942, allowing presidents to initiate military actions unilaterally.
Letting courts resolve major civil rights issues (e.g., Obergefell v. Hodges for marriage equality and Dobbs v. Jackson on abortion) rather than passing clarifying legislation.
Delegating broad regulatory authority to executive agencies without clear guidelines, effectively ceding lawmaking power to the executive branch
Practical Reforms to Strengthen Democracy
The founders included an amendment process for good reason—we’ve amended the Constitution 27 times. Today’s challenges demand similar courage:
Adopt a National Popular Vote: Ensure every voter’s voice counts equally in presidential elections.
Modernize the Senate: Maintain two senators per state but add proportional seats based on population to balance regional and demographic equity.
Restore Congressional Responsibility: Pass legislation to:
Reclaim war powers under Article I.
Codify rights like abortion access and marriage equality.
Ban partisan gerrymandering through independent redistricting commissions.
Limit Dark Money: Reverse Citizens United via amendment to curb unlimited campaign spending.
The League of Women Voters: Champions of Progress
Change begins locally. The Bloomington League exemplifies this by:
Hosting nonpartisan forums to hold candidates accountable.
Advocating for voter access through same-day registration and expanded mail-in voting.
Educating communities via partnerships with schools and civic groups.
A Living Document Requires Active Stewards
From ending slavery to granting women suffrage, constitutional amendments have repeatedly reshaped our democracy. While perfection remains elusive, the League’s work proves progress is possible through civic engagement and grassroots advocacy. By addressing structural flaws and reinvigorating Congress’s role, we can honor the founders’ vision while building a more inclusive future.
