After reflecting on the many statements from Black Americans about Independence Day, I thought of a radical idea. What if we rewrite the Constitution?

This is easier said than done, no minor undertaking. One of the most important documents ever written, the Constitution has been the foundation of American democracy for more than 231 years. It was designed to be a living document, which is why it has been so difficult to change over the past 2 centuries. There are also so many concepts of governance covered within the text: state’s rights and federalism, separation of powers, electoral process, individual liberty and limitation of government power, etc. To try to change all simultaneously would be foolish and probably disastrous. However, modernizing and clarifying the language, without altering the philosophical ethos of the document could provide a more meaningful code for today’s citizens.

I’m not a lawyer or experienced politician, but I took a stab at drafting changes to the Preamble and creating a new amendment. True alterations or amendments would probably best be undertaken by a chosen committee of people (made up of legal representatives, political and historical scholars, etc.) who would be required to achieve consensus on any proposed changes.

The Preamble could be rewritten as follows:

"We the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, uphold the principles of justice, equality, freedom and reason, promote peace, and maintain the general welfare of all citizens and future generations, do decree and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

As perhaps the most analyzed document ever written, even these relatively minor changes must be heavily scrutinized. However, I believe the principles outlined by the Constitution can be written differently to better reflect the progress of today’s world, as well as our aspirations for the future.

Additionally, in a new amendment, what if we specifically introduce a clause that better defines the aforementioned equality for all United States citizens? Something like this:

"The government of the United States shall make no law that discriminates against any citizen in any way, in order to ensure equality for all citizens, regardless of skin color, ancestral or national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or physical appearance or stature.”

Given the recent visibility of the plight of Black Americans, it feels necessary to consider a genuine attempt to truly ensure equality for all. Proposing changes to the constitution may be construed as blasphemous, treasonous, even anarchist. But if our country changes over the centuries, isn’t it necessary on some practical level to keep its living document updated as well, to better embody the original humanistic principles? What changes, if any, would you make to the Constitution?