Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would require members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics. The amendment mandates Congress to establish a civics examination every ten years. It also stipulates that individuals must pass this exam to serve as a Representative or Senator, allowing opportunities for those elected or appointed to demonstrate competence post-election.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would add a new qualification for members of Congress. It would likely lead to the creation of a standardized civics test administered regularly. This could potentially raise the baseline knowledge of civics among elected officials.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially more informed and knowledgeable members of Congress.
- Increased public trust in the competence of elected officials.
- Greater emphasis on civics education nationwide.
- A standardized measure of civic knowledge for members of Congress.
- Opportunity for elected officials to demonstrate competence after election.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for subjective interpretation of 'competence' in civics.
- Risk of creating a barrier to entry for qualified candidates.
- Possible legal challenges regarding the fairness and validity of the examination.
- Increased administrative burden and costs associated with developing and administering the exam.
- Potential for the exam to be politicized.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment aligns with the Constitution's amendment process outlined in Article V, which allows for amendments to be proposed by Congress and ratified by the states. It also relates to Article I, Sections 2 and 3, which define the qualifications for members of the House and Senate, respectively. This amendment seeks to add a new qualification related to civic competence. The amendment includes a clause granting Congress the power to enforce the article by appropriate legislation, similar to provisions in other amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).