Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the pardon power of the President.

Summary

This document is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution that would limit the President's pardon power. The proposed amendment introduces congressional oversight of presidential pardons. It allows Congress to nullify a presidential pardon under certain conditions.

Expected Effects

If ratified, this amendment would shift the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding pardons. It would create a mechanism for Congress to review and potentially overturn presidential pardons. This could lead to fewer pardons being issued, or at least more carefully considered pardons.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased accountability for presidential pardons.
  • A check on potential abuses of the pardon power.
  • Greater transparency in the pardon process.
  • Could prevent controversial pardons that undermine the rule of law.
  • May lead to more consistent application of justice.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for political gridlock and abuse of power by Congress.
  • Could undermine the President's ability to offer clemency.
  • May lead to politically motivated nullifications of pardons.
  • Could create uncertainty and instability in the justice system.
  • Potential for delays in the pardon process.

Constitutional Alignment

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the President the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States. This proposed amendment seeks to modify this power, which is permissible under Article V, which outlines the amendment process. The amendment process itself is explicitly defined in the Constitution.

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).