A new Constitution now

About this book

Henry Hazlitt, a conservative journalist, , wrote "A new Constitution Now" in 1942. His main point was that the time of the War was a perfect time to contemplate changing the Constitution, and that the War was pointing out several of the Constitution's weaknesses. Like many before him, he advocated the parliamentary/cabinet model and changes in the powers of the President. The Senate would become more like the House of Lords, Senators and the President would be appointed, and Congress would have the vote of no confidence. He noted, however, that his ideal was probably too sweeping, and proposed several less severe reforms, such as elimination of the Electoral College, the line item veto, and setting a retirement age for Supreme Court justices. Above all, though, he felt the amendment process needed particular attention, recommending majority ratification over super-majorities.