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