A more perfect union, by design
Promoting nationwide conversations about constitutional design.
The mission of the Center for Constitutional Design is to promote nationwide conversations about constitutional reform and the advancement of constitutional democracy; to suggest ways reforms could be implemented to preserve our constitutional system; to leverage knowledge of other nations’ constitutions to better understand our own; and to convene, collaborate, and coordinate with citizens, thinkers, commentators, and institutions—nationally and internationally—to achieve these ends.
Model Constitutional Convention Documentary
We are pleased to report that the center’s first ever student-led Model Constitutional Convention (MCC) was a great success! From May 23 to 26, 106 law and undergraduate students from more than 70 universities served as delegates for the states and territories at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. These engaged and civic-minded students debated 20 amendments to the constitution and adopted four amendments: an equal rights amendment, an amendment limiting eminent domain, an amendment eliminating partisan gerrymandering and an amendment enhancing tribal sovereignty. Debate was governed by Roberts Rules of Order and managed by an able and elected president, vice president and secretary to the convention.
Our initiatives
Comparative Constitutional Law
There is much to learn from democracies around the world. The Center is building an international network of comparative constitutional scholars.
Fellows in Constitutional Design
The Center advances dialogue over approaches to constitutional reform and the preservation of democracy.
Our initiatives focus on three key areas
Research and innovation
The Center will develop, organize, and promote new ideas for reforming and strengthening our constitutional system, through inquiry that explores our constitution in a global and comparative perspective.
Education
The Center will educate the public. All work of the Center, created and disseminated under the Research and Innovation projects, will be publicly available and translated to better inform the public at all levels.
Impact
The Center, through curricular development and potential litigation support, will positively impact the national dialogue over constitutional reform.
News and Announcements
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Takeaways From the First Student-Led Model US Constitutional Convention
Of course, the Framers did not adopt Jefferson’s constitutional sunsetting approach, but they did allow for amendments that could enable new generations of citizens to imprint their new ideas and
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The next wave’s amendments: Which ones will make it to ratification?
So which proposals might prevail? The factors that will determine the survivor amendments are numerous and ever-changing. However, for any amendment to reach the ratification goal line, it must address
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Center’s Executive Director Speaks to PBS Horizon about the Model Constitutional Convention
Students will serve as state delegates (two from each state), engaging in debates and drafting constitutional amendments. This unique opportunity allows participants to immerse themselves in the legislative process, gaining
Upcoming Events
Partner with us
If you have an idea or a project that you’d like to collaborate on, let us know!