A necessary danger?

Sabato makes a case for a Constitutional Convention.

The fundamental problem, though, has never been corrected. The Constitution was written by the Founders when they had not yet realized the vital necessity of politics and parties in the process of our elections. Further, the enormous transformation of politics from the part-time avocation of public-spirited gentlemen to the multibillion-dollar enterprise of electoral institutions in a rich, diverse, continental Republic has not been matched by constitutional adaptation. The absence of modern politics in the Constitution—from the structure of presidential selection to the manner of congressional elections to some critical aspects of electioneering, such as redistricting and campaign finance—has caused no end of difficulties, which can only be corrected by the inclusion of thoughtful provisions in a new twenty-first-century Constitution. It is long past time to do so.

Critics of this constitutional approach may insist that the political inadequacies of our system are best handled through statutory means, the better to make adjustments as needed from time to time. And partly, this point of view has merit. The constitutional provisions on the political system should be kept only as specific as absolutely required to cure the ills discussed here. Congressional and state statutes—the regular lawmaking process in the various legislatures—can supplement mandates in the Constitution.

However, the chances for serious, widespread political reform at this late date are virtually nil without constitutional prodding. Yes, a state here or there may enact a useful reform plan for a piece of the puzzle. But the nation is desperately in need of widespread change to and dramatic updating of the political system. Entrenched interests would fight and stop most or all of the reforms outlined in this essay. The United States now has a massive superstructure of essentially untouchable procedures and traditions with powerful beneficiaries—incumbents, wealthy groups and individuals, even specific states (think Iowa and New Hampshire in the presidential selection process).

It will take a new revolution to modernize America’s ossified politics. It will take a revolution generated by an engrossing national debate—the kind of debate that can only be engendered by the writing of a new Constitution. Enough with the Band-Aids! An end to feeble efforts at reform in one state or region! So much for the occasional initiative or referendum that usually fails due to campaign spending by special interests that would be damaged by change in the national interest. We the people need to confront all the problems at once, to seek a comprehensive solution that will be as permanent as a Constitution can promise.