"'Sabato, founder of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, ventures bravely into the controversial waters of constitutional reform. Sabato argues that the founders never intended the Constitution to be timeless, but rather understood that 'government structures, ossified by constitutional neglect [can] become fundamentally unfair and tilted to those already in power.' Sabato's reforms are consistent with the values he believes underpin the Constitution — fairness, idealism, pragmatism and focus on the needs of the present and the future — while attempting to mitigate social inequities. His lucid if unorthodox suggestions include a single six-year presidential term that could be extended another two years by referendum; limiting federal and Supreme Court justices to a 15-year term; a larger House of Representatives that would, among other benefits, allow for greater diversity in Congress. His reforms encompass the entire citizenry, who would be required to perform two years of national civilian or military service in what he calls a 'Bill of Responsibilities.' While there's room for skepticism and unintended consequences in some of his suggestions, Sabato makes strong, cogent arguments.' Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Increasingly alarmed at the growing dysfunction and unfairness of our political system, the author suggests that the Constitution, the document that guides our political process, be revised. Here he presents 23 proposals to revitalize the Constitution in order to make America a fairer country.