Constitutional Convention, Week 1

This update is a little late following the long holiday weekend and the torrential downpours from Tropical Storm Lee (we got 9.5 inches of rain, no flooding thankfully). 

The honors students met in their constitutional committees for the first time last Friday and here are the results of their initial discussions:

Executive Committee Proposals:

• Eliminate the Electoral College or change to 1 vote per state
• Perhaps establish a ratio vote based upon popular vote
• Give President the title of Commander in Chief but reserve role of military strategy for Generals

Legislative Committee Proposals:

• Eliminate personal income taxes
• Allow corporate income taxes
• House of Representatives Districts not bound by state lines
• Permanent residence in district and community service required
• Term limits (Two 6 year terms discussed for Senate?)
• Reduction in pay--make service rather than wealth the incentive
• No travel on private aircraft permitted
• No representation for territories

Judiciary Committee Proposals:

• Supreme Court terms of 10 years, may serve 2 terms
• Justices should be elected but president will appoint two members 
• Chief Justice elected from peers
• No final authority, may be overruled (how-unstated)
• Decisions binding only on lower courts
• Supreme Court terms of 18 years with 1 elected every 2 years (no 2nd term)
• May serve between age 25 and 65 and must retire after reaching age 65 (may complete term)
• Court may override Congress' decision to declare war
• Eliminate death penalty
• Enhance state sovereignty
• Supreme Court holds trial if Congress impeaches the president

The simulation is off to a good start and lots of ideas are being tossed out.  We'll see how many make the final cut when the convention decides on a final constitution.