It would appear...at least on this forum...that constitutional rights are no longer supported by all. The right to free speech receives alot of lip service, but it would appear that few truly believe in it. While it is an inalienable right to freely assemble, it seems that many Americans would like to make it illegal for some groups to protest. But just mention the notion of banning gun ownership, and everyone goes ballistic! (Just an example...) So if America were to vote, which constitutional rights would get scrapped, and which ones would be uphelp?
2007-02-01 01:46:56 · 5 answers · asked by Super Ruper 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Well, the American people don't have the power or authority to alter the Constitution. Not directly. We do this through our legislature, through the election of people we trust to handle the government of this country as is in our best interest.
That said, I don't think ANY of the amendments should be struck. I think, rather than changing the rules to fit our own personal agendas, perhaps we should trust the framers of the Constitution to have outlined basic guidelines for law in this country, and adhere to what they saw fit to write.
For the record, I am a Democrat, and yes, I mean ALL amendments.
2007-02-01 01:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by Bush Invented the Google 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The people would vote to keep everything the Constitution gives them. However, that would not stop the Supreme Court from "interpreting" those rights away or expanding the power of some government entity to abrogate them.
For example:
Wickard v. Filburn expanded Congress' power under the commerce clause. Congress is granted the power to regulate interstate commerce. Wickard v. Filburn expanded that to things that the court admitted were neither interstate nor commerce.
Kelo v. New London expanded the eminent domain power. The Constitution limits eminent domain to takings for private property for "public use". Kelo expanded this power to include "public purposes" like redevelopment efforts even in areas not "blighted", in order to increase property tax revenues.
Even if the vote somehow overturned those precedents, the Supremes (the justices,not the singers) would "interpret" some rights away and create other rights out of whole cloth "contextually".
2007-02-01 10:05:10 · answer #2 · answered by Captain Obvious! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the constitution should stay the way it is. If anything new things need to be added, to keep up with the times.
2007-02-01 10:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by sydb1967 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HOPE that we would repeal and replace the 14th amendment, which is too vague and the Court has utilized it with too much discretion striking down laws that they have no business striking down. Repeal the 14th and replace it with something more clearly written. Repeal ambiguity; replace it with clarity.
2007-02-01 10:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope we can at least keep the first two because I can't keep my mouth shut and I want to be able to defend my self.
2007-02-01 10:24:58 · answer #5 · answered by Doug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋