Rewrite of the U.S. Constitution
PREFACE
— Democracy is a Practice
— We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident
— The Following Grievances Justify Our Course
— Author’s Note
ARTICLES
Article X
Citizen-Led Legislative Processes and Bill Creation
Section 1: Citizen Rights to Participate in Bill Creation
Every citizen of the United States has the right to collaborate with their local elected representatives to propose and draft bills or laws. Citizens may submit ideas, participate in public forums, and work with advocates to ensure that their voices are included in legislative processes. Elected officials shall have a duty to facilitate this engagement and provide resources for citizens to participate effectively.
Section 2: Signature Requirements for Proposed Legislation
For any bill, referendum, or proposed law not subject to direct public voting, citizen support must be demonstrated through a petition process. Such proposals must gather signatures from at least 1/100th of the affected population to be eligible for consideration. The affected population shall be defined based on the geographic, demographic, or jurisdictional scope of the proposed law. All signatures must be verified through a transparent process overseen by independent bodies to ensure legitimacy.
Section 3: Ground Rules for Bills at All Levels of Government
- Transparency: All proposed bills must be made publicly accessible in their entirety at least 30 days before a vote during which citizens shall have the right to review, comment on, and propose amendments to the bill.
- Single-Issue Focus: Bills must address only one primary subject or purpose. Unrelated provisions, attachments, or riders are prohibited to maintain clarity and prevent manipulation of legislative processes.
- Nonpartisan Review: Each bill shall undergo an independent, nonpartisan review to evaluate its potential impact, constitutionality, and fiscal implications before it is put to a vote.
- Public Hearings: Government bodies must hold at least two public hearings per proposed bill, allowing citizens to voice support, opposition, or concerns. These hearings must be accessible to all, with opportunities for virtual participation.
- Voting Accessibility: Any final vote on a bill must ensure all representatives or elected officials are informed of its content and potential consequences. All votes must be recorded and made public.
Section 4: Prohibition of Earmarks
All bills, at any level of government, must adhere to the standards set forth in Article XVII: Prohibition of Earmarks. Any provisions directing specific funds to projects, organizations, or entities without transparency or public scrutiny shall be automatically invalidated.Section 5: Data Protection and Anti-Scam Provisions
No bill may include provisions that compromise the privacy, data security, or personal information of citizens. Any legislation involving data collection must explicitly outline the purpose, scope, and protections in place, ensuring compliance with federal privacy laws. Furthermore, bills proposing funding or benefits for organizations must include measures to prevent fraud, scams, or misuse of public funds.Section 6: Enforcement and Accountability
- Criminal Penalties: Lawmakers or officials found violating these rules—such as inserting unauthorized earmarks, circumventing transparency requirements, or engaging in fraudulent activities—shall face removal from office, fines, or imprisonment.
- Oversight Committees: Independent oversight committees shall be established at federal, state, and local levels to ensure compliance with these rules. These committees shall have the authority to investigate, audit, and recommend corrective actions for noncompliance.
- Citizen Recourse: Citizens have the right to challenge the validity of a bill or legislative process through petitions, public referendums, or legal actions. Courts shall have the authority to review and nullify laws that fail to meet established criteria.