In an inspiring showcase of democratic engagement, US law student and undergraduate delegates convened at the first-ever Model Constitutional Convention hosted by Arizona State University (ASU) Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. After two days of intense discussion and deliberation in Phoenix, Arizona, the students passed four significant proposed amendments addressing equal rights, tribal sovereignty, gerrymandering, and eminent domain limits.
The delegates, two from each state, participated in votes that required a threshold of 76 out of 100 votes, emulating the US Constitution’s three-fourths state ratification requirement. The first successful vote was for a revised version of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which garnered 84 votes and extended protections to include sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Delegate Rebekah Lazar from Delaware remarked on the significance of the amendment’s broader scope, reflecting a strong commitment to equal rights.
The second amendment to pass, focusing on tribal sovereignty, received overwhelming support with 91 votes. Delegate Crispin South, a Choctaw law student from ASU, emphasized the amendment’s importance in protecting tribal nations from a judiciary that may not fully understand tribal rights.
A narrowly passed anti-gerrymandering amendment, securing exactly 76 votes, aimed to ban both political and racial gerrymandering. This amendment sought to create a more representative democracy by eliminating manipulated district boundaries that skew electoral outcomes. The final passed amendment was introduced in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. New London, limiting the use of eminent domain for private economic development. Initially failing, the amendment was passed after language adjustments, indicating the delegates’ dedication to delineating clear public use criteria.
The Model Constitutional Convention, reflective of America’s diversity, demonstrated the potential for consensus on critical issues. Jordan Pittman, Vice President of the Convention, highlighted the event’s success in proving that despite political dysfunction, common ground still exists among Americans. This gathering of passionate, forward-thinking individuals underscores the enduring promise of American democracy and the potential for future constitutional advancements.
For more detailed insights, please refer to the full dispatch filed by JP Leskovich on JURIST.