The 28th Amendment

How to shore up democracy while lowering the political temperature of America

The United States Constitution is the most important document of the entire Enlightenment. The oldest continuously enforced constitution in the world, the Constitution is the wellspring of our liberty and prosperity.

Here is a love letter to the Constitution.

In force for 235 years, the United States Constitution has been amended just 27 times. Compare to Canada, whose constitution-like system has existed 157 years and been amended more than 100 times. Compare to the Texas state constitution, in force 148 years and amended 517 times.

One reason the United States Constitution has proved enduring is that it is designed to be difficult to change. Three quarters of the states (38) must ratify an amendment, which means 13 states can block any change.

Some say this rule was created in 1789 to protect slavery. But slavery was abolished using the three-quarters rule!

For 235 years, barriers to amending the Constitution have been the bulwark of the Bill of Rights -- which must never change no matter how often the results (especially free speech) drive people crazy.

Brilliant and beautiful as it is, the United States Constitution could benefit from a  refresh. Here, your writer proposes a 28^th Amendment.