The forum discussion centers on the evolving role of politicians and the need for potential reforms, including term limits for Congress members. Participants express concerns about the increasing glamorization of political careers and the implications of ex-politicians transitioning into lobbying roles. Suggestions include reevaluating the compensation structure for politicians and limiting their engagement to annual meetings. The conversation highlights a call for a fundamental change in how politicians serve and the necessity for a more accountable electoral system.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for political scientists, policymakers, and citizens interested in electoral reform and the accountability of elected officials.
Thus the calls the for something like a 'federalism amendment':BobG said:...That interstate commerce clause has just been butchered all to hell. The number of 5-4 decisions in the Supreme Court make it clear that it's really hard for people to figure that thing out. I don't know of a good solution for that except to hope for judges that take a more restrained view of what sort of things the federal government can lump under interstate commerce.
.Randy Barnett said:Section 1: Congress shall have power to regulate or prohibit any activity between one state and another, or with foreign nations, provided that no regulation or prohibition shall infringe any enumerated or unenumerated right, privilege or immunity recognized by this Constitution.
Section 2: Nothing in this article, or the eighth section of article I, shall be construed to authorize Congress to regulate or prohibit any activity that takes place wholly within a single state, regardless of its effects outside the state or whether it employs instrumentalities therefrom; but Congress may define and punish offenses constituting acts of war or violent insurrection against the United States.
Section 3: The power of Congress to appropriate any funds shall be limited to carrying into execution the powers enumerated by this Constitution and vested in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof; or to satisfy any current obligation of the United States to any person living at the time of the ratification of this article.
Section 4: The 16th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed, effective five years from the date of the ratification of this article.
Section 5: The judicial power of the United States to enforce this article includes but is not limited to the power to nullify any prohibition or unreasonable regulation of a rightful exercise of liberty. The words of this article, and any other provision of this Constitution, shall be interpreted according to their public meaning at the time of their enactment