Dreaming Bigger: My Constitutional Wishlist for a Modern America A Vision for a More Perfect Union
Imagine what we could achieve if the United States had a new constitutional convention—a genuine “Fourth Founding” moment. Our country’s foundational documents have been updated before: the 1787 convention gave us the original Constitution, the post-Civil War amendments redefined citizenship and rights, and the civil rights era forged new protections for equality. But today, our democracy faces challenges the founders never imagined. If we had the chance to start fresh, what would a truly modern, just, and functional Constitution look like?
For me, it starts with moving beyond the old framework of only limiting government power. Most contemporary democracies don’t just tell the government what not to do—they also guarantee positive rights. I’d want our Constitution to spell out things like an explicit right to privacy, a true right to vote with easy access for all, and a meaningful right to a quality education. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re standards in much of the world.
Gender equality should finally be non-negotiable. The Equal Rights Amendment has lingered in limbo for decades, despite majority support. It’s time to make equal rights regardless of sex a permanent part of our highest law.
Our Supreme Court, meanwhile, could use a refresh. Instead of lifetime appointments, imagine justices serving fixed terms—long enough for independence, but with regular opportunities for new voices. This would help the Court reflect the nation’s evolving values and reduce the political temperature around each nomination.
Representation in Congress also needs an overhaul. The Senate gives tiny states the same clout as the most populous ones, warping the principle of one person, one vote. A fairer system would align Senate seats with population, ensuring every voice counts equally.
And then there’s the presidency. The Electoral College is an outdated system that sometimes lets the candidate with fewer votes win. Switching to a direct national popular vote would make every ballot matter, no matter where you live.
Democracy also demands that money doesn’t drown out ordinary voices. The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision unleashed a flood of corporate and billionaire spending in our elections. I’d want an amendment to restore real limits on campaign donations and make political spending transparent.
Speaking of rights, our Constitution should make clear that its protections are for people—not corporations. This would go a long way toward restoring balance in our political system.
We also need a Constitution that can adapt to the times. The current amendment process is so difficult that meaningful change is nearly impossible. Making it easier to update our founding document would keep it alive and relevant, not frozen in the past.
Fair elections are the bedrock of democracy, but gerrymandering lets politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around. A constitutional ban on partisan and racial gerrymandering, with independent commissions drawing districts, would help restore trust and fairness.
Finally, as we face the climate crisis, our Constitution should guarantee the right to a clean and healthy environment. Clean air, safe water, and a stable climate aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for future generations.
Why push for all this? Because our 18th-century system is showing its age. If we want a Constitution that truly protects freedom, adapts to new threats, and delivers justice and equality for all, we need to think bigger—and bolder.
What’s on your constitutional wishlist? Let’s start the conversation.
