What Amendments Would You Add to The Constitution to Prevent the Corruption of today?

A Mental Exercise for Problem Solvers

Let's engage in a mental exercise and imagine that we have just invented a time machine.

We travel back in time and join the founders of America at the table. Our goal is to discuss potential amendments or changes that could enhance America's system and protect it from the prevalent corruption we face today.

We encourage you to contribute your own thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below. Feel free to share your ideas openly, as the comment section is always 100% free and accessible to everyone.

At The Rationalist we brainstormed a few ideas. The following amendments are not fully developed, but we tried to cover some of the major flaws we see that would make for a better system in our current future.

Our Amendments:

1. Equality under the law: All individuals, regardless of their race, sex, religion, ethnic background, or any other defining characteristic, shall be treated as equals under the law.

2. Prohibition of corporate influence over government: Corporations are strictly prohibited from making money donations directly or indirectly to influence politics. This includes attempts to influence family members or friends of politicians or offering financial benefits inappropriately or excessively in any way. The courts will have the authority to determine what constitutes inappropriate or excessive influence, but insider information of trading of stocks and investing shall be one of the prohibited influences.

3. Harsh punishment for corruption: Corrupting governmental systems shall be considered a severe form of treason, and the punishment shall reflect this gravity. Serving the country in government, just like serving in the military, is an honor that shall not be abused. The higher the rank in a governmental position, the more severe the punishment if found guilty by a jury of peers. This warning serves as a deterrent to anyone contemplating the corruption of our system.

4. Results-based policies and laws: It shall be mandatory that all policies and laws be based on measurable results rather than intentions or emotions. All policies and laws shall be periodically reevaluated, and if they fail to achieve their intended goals, they must be revised or abolished. All laws shall be written with stated goals.

5. Transparent government: The entire governmental system shall be transparent and open to scrutiny, with the exception of the most highly classified military secrets. Military secrets shall still be subject to checks and balances. First, classified information shall be accessible to all Senators and members of Congress. Second, an independent committee of citizens, selected by the people, shall have the ability to audit all military secrets and review and object to their status through the courts. All classified information shall have expiration timelines, allowing for renewal only after a thorough review process. Additionally, all non-classified information such as government spending, contracts, procedures, internal dialogue, and emails shall be transparent and accessible to public scrutiny at all times.

6. Recording and documenting government activities: All governmental meetings, dealings, and votes must be recorded, documented, and saved. This system shall be overseen by the citizens and the courts. (In today's context, this would mean that all governmental meetings, votes, and contracts would be video recorded and made available online).

7. Prohibition of propaganda: The use of propaganda against the citizens of the United States, funded by US tax dollars or promoted or persuaded by the US government in any way, is strictly prohibited.

8. People's control over voting systems: The systems and methods of voting shall be entirely decided upon and controlled by the people of each state. The citizens shall have the opportunity to continuously scrutinize and test these systems to prevent potential corruption. All marginalized groups shall have reasonable access to voting systems during elections. Moreover, all citizens shall have the right to vote either anonymously or attach their name to their vote and track it. The choice of anonymity or transparency shall be left to the voter. (At The Rationalist most of us said we would want to be able to track our vote and would not be afraid to attach our name to it and track it with modern technologies like blockchain. But we also understand why someone might want to remain anonymous with theirs).

9. Whistleblower protection: A safe haven for whistleblowers shall be established, controlled by the voters and vetted by the masses, to ensure their protection when exposing misconduct.

10. People's power through ballot measures: The people shall have the power to use ballot measures to impeach, investigate, remove, and independently prosecute government, as well as add or remove laws that we feel are not a representation of us. (Note: many states do have this power already, but most people don’t understand how to use it).

Now can you think of any others we should add? Or care to scrutinize any of our selections?

Much respect and thanks to you for being a Problem Solver with us!

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