52 Years Without Change: The Amendment We Truly Need from Congress
Note: A different version of this statement was published in August of 2023 on John’s personal blog, available here.
The last time “We the People” came together to draft, debate, and ratify a fresh constitutional amendment was over half a century ago, with the 26th Amendment in 1971, which granted 18-year-olds the right to vote. Although the 27th Amendment was technically ratified later, in 1991, it doesn’t represent a real update on contemporary issues. It was originally written in the late 1700s as part of the Bill of Rights but wasn’t ratified until over 200 years later due to a historical fluke.
Let’s take a look at the language of both amendments. Compare the clear, recent language of the 26th Amendment to the antiquated, 18th-century tone of the 27th:
26th Amendment (1971):
Section 1
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
Section 2
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
27th Amendment (1791, two hundred years before ratification in 1991):
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
The dated language of the 27th Amendment underscores my argument: it was not a fresh amendment that came out of a modern democratic debate. The 27th Amendment, with its 200-year delay in ratification, ironically illustrates how little action Congress has taken to address new amendments—amendments that could deal with today’s most urgent issues.
The Case for Term Limits
Of all possible reforms, term limits for Congress have universal support across the American public. Yet, Congress has ignored this issue for decades because it requires them to limit their own power. True leaders like George Washington set an example by voluntarily stepping back from power, but today’s Congress lacks that humility.
Imagine a Congress truly accountable to the people. A term limits amendment is one way we can make this happen, but history shows that Congress will avoid it at all costs. Therefore, it may be up to We the People, through our state legislatures, to make it happen by pursuing a constitutional convention to enforce term limits at the federal level.
The Road Ahead: Inspiring a Movement for Constitutional Change
While Congress may ignore us, we have the voice—and the power—to make real changes. Let’s show Washington that the people’s mandate is alive and well.
Please consider donating to Fial Forward to help bring real reform back to our government. Together, we can inspire Congress to earn our respect by doing what is right before the people force their hand.