Study Offers New U.S. Constitution
By Fred P. Graham
New York Times - Sept. 8, 1970, front page
(an outline of the article)

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In Santa Barbara, California, the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions has drafted a better U.S. Constitution.

• Rex Tugwell, former member of Roosevelt's "brain trust."
• Robert M. Hutchins, chairman.
• Harry S. Ashmore, senior Fellow of the center.
• Warren Berger (opposed to trial by jury).

This new version:

• 20 or less "republics" instead of 50 states.
• a stronger Presidency and federal powers, instead of individual sovereign states.
• 6 branches instead of 3.

  - the regulatory branch would share its authority with private industry, could join multi-company groups to set standards.

• No more Supreme Court, weaker judicial powers.
• President serves 1 nine year term only.
• Senators

  - not elected but chosen by other branches of government. They would consist of former Presidents and other former high officials.

• 2 Vice Presidents instead of 1.

  - 1 for general affairs.

  - 1 for internal affairs.

• No more Bill of Rights, but many of the same fundamental safeguards.

  - no right to a trial by jury.
  - no right to bear arms.

• Instead of 2/3 vote of Congress to amend the Constitution, amendments would be proposed by a council of judges approved by the President and Senate, and ratified by a majority in a national election.
• After 5 presidential terms the entire Constitution may be rewritten and submitted and ratified by a majority in a national election.

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