Constitutional Revisions to Prevent the Rise of Big Government

Since the inception of the United States Constitution, the role and size of the federal government have grown significantly. Some argue that the founding fathers could have implemented more stringent measures to prevent the rise of big government. This article explores suggestions for revising the Constitution to ensure a more limited government.

Introduction to the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution, established in 1787, delineates the structure and powers of the federal government. However, its amorphous nature and the flexibility granted to governmental interpretation have contributed to the expansion of federal authority. This article delves into the potential constitutional revisions that could have prevented the rise of big government.

1. Limiting the Power to Interpret the Constitution

One of the most significant issues lies in the federal government's ability to interpret the extent of its own powers. The current system allows the federal government to determine its own limitations, effectively granting it unlimited power. This approach inherently transforms the government into a totalitarian entity rather than a constitutional one. Therefore, the founding fathers should have ensured that the power to interpret the Constitution was left to the states, which originally created it.

Keywords: Constitution Interpretation, Federal Power, State Authority

2. Restricting the Voting Rights

Another crucial aspect is the extension of voting rights to every citizen. The founding fathers should have maintained a more selective approach to suffrage, restricting it to those who make a significant contribution to society through their taxes. For example, voting should have been restricted to individuals who pay more in taxes than they receive in welfare or other benefits. This would ensure that those more deeply invested in society would participate in the democratic process.

Keywords: Voting Rights, Taxpaying Privilege, Societal Contribution

3. Clarifying the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms, has been a contentious issue. A clearer, more straightforward interpretation could have prevented misunderstandings and subsequent legal challenges. A simplified and accessible language might have helped prevent the current divisive debates surrounding gun rights.

Keywords: Second Amendment, Gun Rights, Clearer Interpretation

4. A More Unitary Government Structure

Many argue that the founding fathers envisioned a more centralized, unitary government. A more rational division of the states into new units could have been established, with a clear and supreme national legislature. The government could have been seen as a tool for the general welfare rather than a potential threat.

Keywords: Unitary Government, State Division, General Welfare

5. Restricting Benefits and Creating Fiscal Discipline

The growth of the federal government has been driven by the need to meet perceived "needs" and the gradual accumulation of regulatory requirements. Additionally, the incentives provided by the federal government, such as stimulus payments, often result in additional government spending without clear mechanisms for repayment. To address this, the Constitution could have included a non-amendable super-provision requiring an 85% supermajority to increase benefits without clear audited funding.

Keywords: Fiscal Discipline, Incentivized Spending, Benefit Limitations

Conclusion

The Constitution could have been drafted with more explicit restrictions on the power of the federal government. By limiting the interpretation of the Constitution to the states, maintaining a more selective voting process, clarifying the Second Amendment, promoting a more unitary government, and ensuring fiscal discipline, the rise of big government could have been significantly reduced. These suggestions, while retrospective, offer valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of overly flexible constitutional design.

Keywords Recap: Constitutional Revisions, Founding Fathers, Big Government