Category: Constitutional Topics

Understanding Section 3 of the 14th Amendment Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, established after the Civil War, disqualifies certain federal officials who engaged in rebellion or insurrection after swearing to support the Constitution. Its original intent was to prevent former Confederates from returning to positions of power. The language is straightforward: if you took…

Senate Approval for WHO Treaties The Continuing Resolution emphasizes the Senate's role in reviewing and approving treaties initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This focus reflects concerns over U.S. sovereignty and democratic oversight. Representatives Davidson and Tiffany advocated for this inclusion, stressing transparency and accountability. WHO's pandemic agreement negotiations, initiated in 2021, serve as…

Sen. Gillibrand's Push for Equal Rights Amendment Certification Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is spearheading an ambitious campaign to persuade President Joe Biden to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), aiming to solidify its position within the Constitution. Gillibrand's strategy involves: The New York Democrat has presented her arguments directly to Biden and the first…

Is the United States Postal Service included in the US Constitution? The United States Postal Service (USPS) is indeed mentioned in the US Constitution. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power “To establish Post Offices and post Roads.” This provision authorizes Congress to regulate and establish the postal service, ensuring mail delivery and regulation…

Prominent Democratic Senators have made a proposal to change how Presidential elections work. It would require a constitutional change. Democratic Push to Abolish the Electoral College The Electoral College has long been a contentious issue in American politics. Recently, Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Dick Durbin, and Peter Welch proposed a constitutional amendment to abolish this…

The United States Constitution continues to shape discussions around governance and individual rights. Recent events demonstrate how this foundational document guides the nation through changes, with the interplay between executive actions and constitutional mandates remaining a focal point in America’s political landscape. 1. The Chrysler Bailout The 2009 Chrysler Bailout during Obama’s presidency raised constitutional…

Understanding Constitutional Conventions A constitutional convention is a gathering to discuss, draft, and propose amendments or a new constitution. These meetings address the need for major reforms or updates to a nation’s fundamental laws. In the United States, such a convention could be initiated under Article V of the Constitution, requiring petitions from two-thirds of…

First Amendment and Private Employers The First Amendment, while fundamental to American freedom, doesn't apply to private entities like the NFL. Former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. noted that an employee's right to discuss politics doesn't obligate an employer to retain them. Private companies, not being governmental bodies, aren't bound by the First…

Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Supreme Court Term Limits Senators Joe Manchin and Peter Welch have proposed a constitutional amendment to replace lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices with 18-year nonrenewable terms. This change would introduce a regular cycle of appointments, with a new justice joining the Court every two years. The proposal aims to maintain…