Our nation’s history reminds us that challenging times often spark eras of reform and renewal. As Americans grapple with the current convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the interrelated crises of economy, racial justice, political violence, climate disasters, and a collapse of trust, they also are seeing the need for repair and renewal to our nation’s promise of human liberty, equal citizenship, and effective self-government.
American Promise depends on the actions and influence of citizens across the country to advance the 28th Amendment by July 4, 2026, our nation’s 250th birthday. A new report, Keep the Promise: America250, highlights three key pieces of information to help Americans take on the challenge of working together to pass and ratify the amendment:
- Why do we need this Constitutional amendment and what will it accomplish?
- How do we make sure the language of the amendment is sound and effective?
- How do we pass and ratify the amendment, and what can all Americans do to help?
The Keep the Promise: America250 report and recommended language for the 28th Amendment have drawn on the work of the nonpartisan Massachusetts Citizens Commission established by a 2018 statewide vote to advance the state’s policy on the 28th Amendment.
Final amendment language requires careful vetting and consensus. That’s why American Promise has engaged Americans from across the political spectrum, from every region of the country, and from varying backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the drafting of this proposed amendment:
- Section 1: We the People have compelling sovereign interests in representative self-government, federalism, the integrity of the electoral process, and the political equality of natural persons.
- Section 2: Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to forbid Congress or the States, within their respective jurisdictions, from reasonably regulating and limiting contributions and expenditures in campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
- Section 3: Congress and the States shall have the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation, and may distinguish between natural persons and juridical persons, including by prohibiting juridical persons from raising and spending money in campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
Download the report: Keep the Promise: America250
American Promise has engaged Americans from across the political spectrum, from every region of the country, and from varying backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the drafting of this proposed amendment.
Now it’s your turn: Let us know what you think of the proposed 28th Amendment language by taking our survey.