THE FOURTH BRANCH

 Over recent decades, our Legislative Branch has made itself irrelevant, unable to resolve any of the problems it has created.  It is time to consider a fourth branch of government as a way to restore the balance of powers our founders prescribed.   

I contend that the fourth branch has existed since 1791.  We the People are briefly mentioned in the 10th Amendment.   However, our present constitution fails to enumerate any specific or effective powers for The Citizenry. 

This is most easily remedied by a constitutional amendment that establishes a National Referenda System (NRS) and enshrines The Citizenry as the fourth and highest branch of the federal government.  I call it The Democracy Amendment.  The full text is show below.

Briefly, here is the process proposed for engaging American Citizens in their own governance.   Under the NRS, a small group of citizens, selected by sortition from a cadre of volunteers, meets to determine which national policy issues need to be placed before the electorate.  The group is called The Caucus.  They have a maximum of 30 days to reach a unanimous decision.  A new Caucus could be selected and convened as often as quarterly.  

The policy proposal is then submitted to the NRS.  During the next sixty days, voters may deliberate – perhaps through personal research, maybe in living room discussions or community forums.  A state might even convene a Citizens' Assembly.   Here’s a sample referendum question: 

Resolved, it shall be the policy of the United States of America that only children born of at least one U. S. Citizen parent shall be granted natural citizenship.

During the last two weeks of deliberation, registered voters may securely record their decisions in person or anywhere, using their phone or computer.  When the referendum ends, if two-thirds of those voting approve the proposed policy, the lower three branches of government must abide by the people’s National Policy Decision.  That is a high standard.  Otherwise, the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches continue to take care of the nation’s business.    

The benefits flowing from The Democracy Amendment and the NRS are many: 

• Citizens finally gain the sovereignty they were promised so long ago. 

• Citizens feel they finally have real control over their government and their own lives.

• Critical policy issues are quickly resolved instead of festering for decades and dividing us.

• Opens the door for all the vital legislation Congress has refused to address:  e.g., campaign finance reform, term limits, balanced budgets, outlawing gerrymandering, etc.

• The power-hungry political parties are put in check. 

• Voter turnout rises as voting becomes a meaningful right and responsibility.

• Special interest groups have to make their case to all of us, not just Congress.

• The involvement of all citizens alleviates any DEI concerns.

• The NRS is far less costly and complex to administer than other reform models

• America sets a new standard for democratic governance in the world.

• The Re-United States of America is once again The World’s Leading Democracy.

To explore this vision further, visit the Citizen v2.1 website: https://www.Citizen-v2pt1.us

*************************************************************************

The Democracy Amendment

Section 1.   The Constitution of the United States of America is hereby amended to reaffirm that the Citizens of this nation are, and of right ought to be, the supreme authority in their governance.  All Legislative, Executive, and Judicial powers granted herein shall henceforth be subordinate to the Will of the People.

Section 2.  The Will of the People shall be expressed in National Policy Decisions.  At three-month intervals, a group of seven willing citizens shall be randomly selected to serve on the Caucus.  The task of the Caucus shall be to identify to the nation those unresolved issues of great current or future import and to present those issues for deliberation as part of a national policy referendum.  The period of deliberation shall be three months and will conclude with a vote.  A National Policy Decision shall be deemed to have been made when two-thirds of participating voters affirm the policy or one of the policy options presented.

Section 3.  A National Policy Decision directs all subsequent actions by the other branches of government.  The Legislature shall formulate laws that faithfully express the Will of the People.  The Executive shall efficiently administer those laws.  The Judiciary shall rule where there is disagreement as to whether a law (or its administration) faithfully expresses the Will of the People.

Section 4.  National Policy Decisions must be implemented within six months.  Legislators refusing to act shall be considered in breach of public trust and subject to immediate recall by the executives of their states.  The House of Representatives shall exercise the power of impeachment upon any President refusing to act in subordination to the Will of the People.  National Policy Decisions may not be challenged in court until two years after implementation.