Today is Constitution day (U.S.)

[Bergmania]

Two hundred twenty-six years ago today, the Philadelphia Convention signed off on the Constitution of the United States.
Many people (myself included) would like to make changes in it
One of my changes is:

Direct election of the President of the United States instead of the Electoral College.

Does anyone else think the Constitution should be improved, and if so, how?

[Olthar]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

[Enadail]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

At the very least, they shouldn't be able to set their salaries.

[Divair]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

So that they have an excuse to raise minimum wage to absurd levels?

Yea, no.

[Downeistan]

I respect the minimum wage idea; however, when we already have the best government money can buy, cutting the pay will insure that we only get the millionaires. (As opposed to the rare 750k-aire that slips through nowadays).

My personal wish list would be to ban private money in political elections and to roughly mirror our elections with the European nations. Instant runoffs, shorter election 'seasons', etc. For starters.

[Norstal]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

Oh we had that in Indonesia! Officials were paid very little. The result? Mass bribery.

Don't copy us please. I didn't move to the U.S to live in Indonesia again.

[Olthar]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

So that they have an excuse to raise minimum wage to absurd levels?

Yea, no.

You really think that could happen? I envy your imagination. It must be so fascinating in your head.

[Divair]

You really think that could happen?

Yes, very easily. Why wouldn't they?

[Olthar]

You really think that could happen?

Yes, very easily. Why wouldn't they?

Because every single big business would turn against them.

[Divair]

Yes, very easily. Why wouldn't they?

Because every single big business would turn against them.

So let's assume big businesses have large influence over said politicians. Why wouldn't politicians be more vulnerable to manipulation from said businesses if they now earn far less?

[Aeken]

How about we lower down their salaries by a third- no, a half!

[Olthar]

Because every single big business would turn against them.

So let's assume big businesses have large influence over said politicians. Why wouldn't politicians be more vulnerable to manipulation from said businesses if they now earn far less?

Possibly. I'm not saying that I have all the answers. I'm just giving ideas.

[Ifreann]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

Yes, bar the poor from holding office. That'll be helpful.

[Divair]

So let's assume big businesses have large influence over said politicians. Why wouldn't politicians be more vulnerable to manipulation from said businesses if they now earn far less?

Possibly. I'm not saying that I have all the answers. I'm just giving ideas.

Ideas are fine. And maybe given the correct circumstances, putting politicians on minimum wage is a good idea. But given the manipulation we've already got going, I don't foresee it ending well.

[Surfistan]

Lower the ballot,end the Fed,Ron Pale 2017, have a goverment owned savings bank, decrease the power of the president and give Congress more.

[Olthar]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

Yes, bar the poor from holding office. That'll be helpful.

I don't see the connection.

[Neo Arcad]

Government officials, especially Congressmen, should be put on minimum wage. It's a service, not a reward.

Yes, bar the poor from holding office. That'll be helpful.

They're already barred from holding office, though. It wouldn't change anything.

[Olthar]

Possibly. I'm not saying that I have all the answers. I'm just giving ideas.

Ideas are fine. And maybe given the correct circumstances, putting politicians on minimum wage is a good idea. But given the manipulation we've already got going, I don't foresee it ending well.

Nevertheless, they certainly get paid too much.

[Bojikami]

Direct elections, no more bipartisan politics, and cut all politician wages.

[Divair]

Ideas are fine. And maybe given the correct circumstances, putting politicians on minimum wage is a good idea. But given the manipulation we've already got going, I don't foresee it ending well.

Nevertheless, they certainly get paid too much.

$174k a year is too much, yes.

[Norstal]

Nevertheless, they certainly get paid too much.

$174k a year is too much, yes.

Not when you add housing, cars, campaigns, etc.

There's a reason why junior statesmen find it hard to continue serving. Only the really old ones, the ones that have been in power, can stay in power. This is a "rich people" problem so I don't expect everyone to understand.

[Ifreann]

Yes, bar the poor from holding office. That'll be helpful.

I don't see the connection.

If government officials can't earn more than minimum wage, then anyone currently on more than minimum wage would need to take a wage cut to hold office. People with debt are out, and people who need to support their families. And how people are meant to maintain households both in their home state and in DC on minimum wage is beyond me. Unless you're already very rich and could get by just fine almost without income for a few years.

[Olthar]

I don't see the connection.

If government officials can't earn more than minimum wage, then anyone currently on more than minimum wage would need to take a wage cut to hold office. People with debt are out, and people who need to support their families. And how people are meant to maintain households both in their home state and in DC on minimum wage is beyond me. Unless you're already very rich and could get by just fine almost without income for a few years.

Serving the nation should be a sacrifice.

[The Roman Imperial Republic]

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner. This shall only be made in a time of war under extreme conditions.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment VIII

In times of dire consequence for the United States, the powers of decree shall be invested into the incumbent executive, and congress temporarily dissolved. This shall require a 2/3 vote of both House and Senate. It also may be called via referendum of the people.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the states and to the people.

I have no life, so I personally went through the bill of rights and edited it for a better nation. Unless I am attacked by mods, I may check out Amendments 11-27. What do you think?

[Ifreann]

If government officials can't earn more than minimum wage, then anyone currently on more than minimum wage would need to take a wage cut to hold office. People with debt are out, and people who need to support their families. And how people are meant to maintain households both in their home state and in DC on minimum wage is beyond me. Unless you're already very rich and could get by just fine almost without income for a few years.

Serving the nation should be a sacrifice.

Why?