If the government still recognizes the authority of the constitution, then you can fix the constitution via amendments.
Otherwise, it would be time for a new constitution. But of course, in that case, there would truly be nothing to be proud of. It would mean your entire country and government was a complete failure, and that whatever new constitution you ratified would have to make many provisions to protect the government from the overwhelming stupidity of the citizens.
I feel in the US we are closer to scenario two. Sure, it’s theoretically possible to modify the constitution but people have been trying to decades and the level of political consensus required is quite extreme.
The American Constitution is the oldest national codified government constitution in force. No other constitution has lasted so long. Ergo, either it’s a really solid document that can still serve us - or its time has passed.
Or, I guess there’s a third possibility. The Constitution might be like a virus - not an entirely wholesome organism, but very good at surviving. A document that can sometimes serve the masses, but also a tool for the elite when properly weaponized. Perhaps it’s a document that perfectly balances authoritative power with social conflict.
I think, though, that our forefathers should have addressed a balanced budget in writing. If the budget isn’t balanced and if the debt is above a certain percent of the GDP, then emergency elections should be held. This would avoid a lot of the looting from our coffers.
If the government still recognizes the authority of the constitution, then you can fix the constitution via amendments.
Otherwise, it would be time for a new constitution. But of course, in that case, there would truly be nothing to be proud of. It would mean your entire country and government was a complete failure, and that whatever new constitution you ratified would have to make many provisions to protect the government from the overwhelming stupidity of the citizens.
I feel in the US we are closer to scenario two. Sure, it’s theoretically possible to modify the constitution but people have been trying to decades and the level of political consensus required is quite extreme.
“Time for a new constitution”
Maybe.
The American Constitution is the oldest national codified government constitution in force. No other constitution has lasted so long. Ergo, either it’s a really solid document that can still serve us - or its time has passed.
Or, I guess there’s a third possibility. The Constitution might be like a virus - not an entirely wholesome organism, but very good at surviving. A document that can sometimes serve the masses, but also a tool for the elite when properly weaponized. Perhaps it’s a document that perfectly balances authoritative power with social conflict.
I think, though, that our forefathers should have addressed a balanced budget in writing. If the budget isn’t balanced and if the debt is above a certain percent of the GDP, then emergency elections should be held. This would avoid a lot of the looting from our coffers.