75% of Americans agree that we need a constitutional amendment to address the influence of money in our politics, and several effective proposals have been introduced in Congress, including this bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Ted Deutch (FL – D) and John Katko (NY – R):
116TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. J. RES. 2
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating
to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
‘‘ARTICLE—
‘‘SECTION 1. To advance democratic self-government
and political equality, and to protect the integrity of gov-
ernment and the electoral process, Congress and the
States may regulate and set reasonable limits on the rais-
ing and spending of money by candidates and others to
influence elections.
‘‘SECTION 2. Congress and the States shall have
power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate
legislation, and may distinguish between natural persons
and corporations or other artificial entities created by law,
including by prohibiting such entities from spending
money to influence elections.
‘‘SECTION 3. Nothing in this article shall be con-
strued to grant Congress or the States the power to
abridge the freedom of the press.’’.
You can download the PDF or learn more about this and several other proposals that have been introduced in Congress.
In addition to vetting these proposals to address political spending, American Promise Education Fund’s Writing the 28th Amendment program is evaluating several other reform amendment concepts that would address gerrymandering, the electoral college, term limits for Congress, and corporate rights. Learn about the leading amendment proposals below, and then take a brief poll to participate in the conversation.
What Else Could the 28th Amendment Do?
There are several ways we can strengthen American elections, prevent corruption, and ensure equal representation and political equality to all Americans through a constitutional amendment. Learn more about some of the most popular reform amendments and then take the poll to let us know which proposals you support.
Constitutional Right to Vote
An amendment could create a Constitutional right to vote, making it much harder for states to restrict access to the ballot. Contrary to popular belief, there is currently no explicit right to vote anywhere in the Constitution.
Money in Politics
An amendment could authorize reasonable spending limits for political campaigns. The Supreme Court can and has struck down federal and state campaign finance laws, making an amendment necessary to address money in politics.
Gerrymandering
An amendment could make partisan gerrymandering unconstitutional, so states could no longer draw districts that unfairly benefit one political party. States are currently free to draw maps that lock up control for the party in power for a decade or more and the Supreme Court has yet to rule on this issue directly.
Corporate Rights
An amendment could clarify that corporations and other non-human legal entities don’t have the same free speech and other rights protected by the Constitution, preventing them from using “corporate personhood” to overturn corporate political spending bans and other democratically enacted laws.
Term Limits
An amendment could set a maximum number of terms for US Senators and Representatives, much like term limits in place for the President and many state legislatures.
Public Financing / Tax Vouchers
An amendment could create a system to fund elections using tax vouchers or public financing instead of private donors.
National Popular Vote
An amendment could establish that the President be elected by national popular vote, abolishing the Electoral College and ensuring that the candidate that receives the most votes wins.
Click here to see examples of proposed language for each of the above elements.
Take the Poll:
The 28th Amendment will be the first amendment in the digital age, enabling every American to participate in shaping a better democracy. We want to hear from you about what you think the amendment should do or say.
Regional Town Halls
American Promise Education Fund is also hosting Writing the 28th Amendment town hall events around the country to discuss what the next amendment should to do. See our upcoming events below, and join us in person for one of these free events if you’re able.
Past Events:
