This is meant to only be a starting point. Without public input and collective agreement this is no more than a weak thought.
PREAMBLE
We, the people of this Republic, having chosen by free and fair referendum to govern ourselves, establish this Constitution to secure individual liberty, limit government power, ensure accountability of those who serve, and provide for the common defense and welfare of all citizens.
We acknowledge our imperfection and recognize that future generations may see what we cannot. Therefore, we create a Constitution that protects fundamental rights while allowing peaceful reform as circumstances and wisdom require.
ARTICLE I: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Section 1. All persons possess inherent rights that precede government, including:
- Freedom of conscience, religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
- Security in their persons, homes, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches
- Due process and equal protection under law
- Right to bear arms for lawful defense
- Privacy in personal affairs and communications, including digital
- Property rights and freedom of contract
Section 2. These rights may be limited only by law that serves a compelling public interest, uses the least restrictive means possible, and is subject to judicial review. The burden of justification rests entirely on the government.
Section 3. No person shall be compelled to speak, profess belief, or act against conscience except where direct harm to others is imminent and provable.
Section 4. Every citizen has the right to:
- Vote in free and fair elections
- Access to public education
- Emergency medical care regardless of ability to pay
- Clean air, water, and protection from environmental destruction
- Due process before deprivation of life, liberty, or property
ARTICLE II: STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
Section 1: Legislative Branch
A. The Legislature shall consist of one chamber, the People’s Assembly, with members elected by proportional representation using ranked-choice voting. Each district shall have multiple representatives to ensure diverse voices.
B. Members serve four-year terms with a lifetime limit of twelve years total service.
C. The Assembly holds all legislative power and may pass laws by majority vote, subject to presidential veto and constitutional limits.
D. Districts shall be drawn by an independent commission using mathematical fairness standards. Gerrymandering is prohibited and criminally punishable.
E. No legislator may accept employment, contracts, or compensation from any entity they regulated while in office for five years after leaving service.
Section 2: Executive Branch
A. The President serves as head of state and government, elected by national popular vote using ranked-choice voting, for one six-year term. No person may serve as President more than once.
B. The President executes laws, commands the military (subject to legislative war authorization), conducts foreign policy, and appoints judges and senior officials with Assembly confirmation.
C. The President may veto legislation, but the Assembly may override by two-thirds vote.
D. Emergency powers may be invoked only for 30 days and require Assembly approval for extension. All emergency actions expire automatically unless ratified by law.
E. The President may be removed by majority Assembly vote for violation of oath, criminal conduct, or incapacity, with immediate effect.
Section 3: Judicial Branch
A. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices serving single 18-year terms, with one seat opening every two years. Justices must retire at age 75.
B. Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by two-thirds Assembly vote. Nominees must demonstrate legal excellence and ideological balance.
C. Courts have power to review laws and government actions for constitutionality. Decisions require written reasoning and may be overturned only by constitutional amendment or subsequent court reversal.
D. Lower courts are established by law with judges serving 12-year terms.
ARTICLE III: ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY
Section 1. All elected officials and senior bureaucrats are fiduciaries of the people and criminally liable for:
- Willful neglect of duties
- Abuse of office for personal gain
- Knowing violation of constitutional rights
- Destruction or concealment of public records
- Accepting bribes or improper benefits
Section 2. An independent Office of Public Accountability, with members serving staggered ten-year terms, shall investigate and prosecute government misconduct. Its budget cannot be reduced below 0.5% of total government spending.
Section 3. Any citizen may petition courts to compel officials to perform mandatory duties. Courts shall grant relief expeditiously where duty is clear.
Section 4. All government records are public unless classified for national security, and classification expires automatically after 25 years. No official may classify documents concerning their own potential wrongdoing.
Section 5. Campaign contributions are limited to individual citizens, capped at an amount affordable to median-income citizens, and publicly disclosed within 48 hours. Corporate, union, and foreign contributions are prohibited. Public financing is available to qualifying candidates.
Section 6. Former officials may not lobby government for five years after leaving service.
ARTICLE IV: LIMITS ON GOVERNMENT POWER
Section 1. Government may act only where explicitly authorized by this Constitution. All powers not granted remain with the people.
Section 2. No law shall take effect until 60 days after passage, allowing time for review and potential referendum challenge.
Section 3. Any law may be challenged by referendum petition signed by 3% of voters. If challenged, the law is suspended until approved by majority vote.
Section 4. No tax increase or new tax may be imposed without majority popular vote in a referendum, except during declared war.
Section 5. Government debt shall not exceed 60% of GDP except during declared war. Balanced budget is required within five years of peace returning.
Section 6. No civil asset forfeiture without criminal conviction. Property taken for public use requires full market compensation paid within 90 days.
Section 7. Privacy in communications and personal data is inviolate. Government surveillance requires specific judicial warrant based on probable cause of serious crime.
ARTICLE V: AMENDMENT PROCESS
Section 1. This Constitution may be amended by:
- Two-thirds vote of the Assembly AND majority approval in national referendum, OR
- Citizen initiative petition signed by 5% of voters, placed on ballot, and approved by 60% of voters
Section 2. No amendment may abolish the rights in Article I, the amendment process itself, or judicial review.
Section 3. Every 25 years, a Constitutional Review Convention shall be elected to propose amendments. Proposals require 60% voter approval.
Section 4. We acknowledge our limitations. Future citizens may see wisdom we lack. This Constitution is a beginning, not an ending.
ARTICLE VI: FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. This Constitution takes effect upon ratification by 60% of voters in national referendum.
Section 2. All laws conflicting with this Constitution are void.
Section 3. Natural resources are held in trust for all citizens. Extraction requires competitive bidding, environmental impact approval, and royalties funding a sovereign wealth fund for future generations.
Section 4. Official languages are [to be determined]. All government services must be available in these languages.
Section 5. This Republic recognizes the dignity of every person and commits to government of, by, and for the people—limited in power, accountable in action, and humble in purpose.
Ratified by the Free People, [DATE]
“We are not perfect. This document is not perfect. But we commit to liberty, accountability, and the courage to improve what we have built.