WHAT THIS DOCUMENT IS: A FRAMEWORK 

WHAT THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT : A FINAL DOCUMENT

AN ARTICLE V APPLICATION; OR

A PETITION TO GOVERNMENT AT THE STATE OR FEDERAL LEVEL

A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

We, the citizens and beneficiaries of the United States of America, have witnessed a decline in our confidence in the politicians serving in both the Legislative and Executive Branches. The principle of a government that is truly "of the People, by the People, and for the People" is being eroded by it’s existence and the failures of politicians to remain loyal to a healthy direction of the nation.

As constituents, we have signed our signatures in support of the People’s Chamber Petition in preliminary form to be presented before the legislatures in each of the states.

To cure the many defects in Government, We the People petition for an amendment of the United States Constitution to establish the People’s Chamber. Curing a substantial void of efficiency and accountability, the People’s Chamber Amendment would engage We the People through volunteers in a third legislative body of Congress delivering frugal oversight to the citizens of the United States.

The People's Chamber would maintain governing authority through a voting process superior to both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in all legislative actions. In addition, the People’s Chamber would have the right to create new or modify existing legislation within their authority. The purpose of the People's Chamber is to ensure that elected officials in both the House and U.S. Senate remain focused and diligent in carrying out the people's work for the sole benefit of the people and the trajectory of the nation.

PURPOSE AND JUSTIFICATION

The purpose of the People's Chamber is to curtail government's abusive and wasteful spending, address indifference towards the People's constitutional rights, police national policies, and assure the constituency as a whole that the government is of the People, by the People, and for the People.

The People are justified in demanding a diverse and inclusive change in the Constitution to include civic engagement and responsibility, which the People's Chamber shall deliver. The People's Chamber shall have the responsibility and authority to vote on all legislation, specifically on any bills passed in both the House and the Senate that do not interfere with the rights or appropriations of the individual states. The People's Chamber may break down and pass bills in parts, pass them entirely or wholly reject them.

The People’s Chamber will have the authority to propose legislation in substantial likeness to that of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. To be successful, proposed legislation must be voted on in the affirmative with a super majority vote of sixty five percent (65%).

Legislation successfully passed in the People’s Chamber must then be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate within ten days. Any failure of the House or Senate to pass legislation of the People’s Chamber can then be passed through a superseding or overriding affirmative vote in the People’s Chamber with an absolute majority of seventy five percent (75%). Superseding votes override the failure of the House or Senate to accept, vote and pass legislation.   

STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION

The People’s Chamber shall engage sixty vetted volunteers from random demographics to serve twelve (12) month terms with compensation equal to the salaries of 1st Year Senators inclusive of medical benefits, pension contributions and housing allowance. Rotation of People’s Chamber volunteers should remain at five per month.

The Chamber’s legislative volunteers would be provided a personal assistant(s) through a civic volunteer process.

The People’s Chamber shall maintain permanent staff members to process volunteer applications, background checks and screening for politically exposed person(s) status or arms length relationships to those whom are politically exposed person(s).

POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a third chamber of Congress, the People’s Chamber would be guaranteed specific powers related to scrutinizing legislation, proposing amendments, and representing the interests of the people without the burden of special interest groups. As the stewards of a nation, the People’s Chamber volunteers would  be the direct representation of the People by the People and for the People.

The People’s Chamber would function as a mechanism for civic engagement and governance of the People by the People and For the People by establishing an essential system of checks on the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. The People’s Chamber would deliver the necessary assurances that all public concerns are considered in the processes while maintaining integrity in governance.

AUTHORITY OVER LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The People’s Chamber would have supervisory  authority to debate, propose, and vote on legislation created by either the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. This supervisory authority gives significant weight to the people in shaping policy and ensuring that policies align with the interests of prudent and frugal legislation.

The People’s Chamber may upon its sole authority and discretion, decide to abstain from considering a bill. In such a case the bill automatically passes with the House and Senate passing the legislation. The People’s Chamber may challenge any legislation by notice to  the House and U.S. Senate of a People’s Chamber challenge and vote within five (5) days of the challenged legislations passing House or Senate. The People’s Chamber must vote within ten (10) days of notice to the House of Representatives or U.S. Senate.  

Any notice to House and U.S. Senate automatically stays the legislation pending an affirming vote from the Peoples’ Chamber. The People’s Chamber would hold the authority to accept or reject any proposed legislation in part or wholly with the following thresholds;

Passing of any proposed legislation would require a simple majority vote of fifty five percent (55%) in the affirmative.

Partially or wholly rejecting any proposed legislation would require a super majority vote of sixty five percent (65%) in the negative response.

The People’s Chamber may with five days notice, vote upon any proposed legislation that was unsuccessful in the House of Representatives or U.S. Senate and successfully override any unsuccessful vote in House or U.S. Senate with a absolute majority of seventy five percent (75%) in the affirmative or yes vote. Any over riding vote must then be cause notification to the House and U.S. Senate that such a bill was passed into law.

Additionally, the People’s Chamber will have powers for conducting investigations over the Legislative Branch in support of it’s functions on delivering transparency for the people as a whole.

AUTHORITY OVER EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The People's Chamber would have the authority to debate, vote on and either accept or completely reject any executive action that infringes on the rights of any person or people from or in the United States of America.

The People’s Chamber may, at its sole discretion, choose to abstain from considering any executive action. In this event, the action would be automatically   accepted as endorsed by the President of the United States.

The People’s Chamber would have the authority to challenge any executive action by notifying the executive branch within five (5) days of the Signing of the executive action. The People’s Chamber must vote upon the executive action within ten (10) days of providing notice of challenge to the executive branch. The People’s Chamber is then required to notify the executive and legislative branches within 24 hours of any vote and any resulting acceptance or rejection.

The People’s Chamber would hold the authority to reject any executive action with the following thresholds;

Accepting any executive action would require a simple majority vote of fifty five percent (55%) in the affirmative.

Partially or wholly rejecting any Executive action would require an absolute majority vote of seventy five percent (75%) in the negative response.

Additionally, the People’s Chamber will have powers for conducting investigations over the Legislative Branch in support of it’s functions on delivering transparency for the people as a whole.

AUTHORITY OVER THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

The People’s Chamber would not maintain authority over the judicial branch with the exception of the People’s Chamber’s authority over the legislative branches legislation or the executive branches actions.

RELATIONSHIP WITH EXISTING BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

The establishment of a People's Chamber as a third supervisory entity overseeing the House and Senate legislative bodies could yield substantial positive outcomes for the governance system. This proposed system would introduce a direct conduit for the representation of citizens' interests and viewpoints, thereby ensuring their voices are not only heard but also factored into the decision-making processes at the highest levels of government.

By bridging the gap between the public and the legislative bodies, the People's Chamber would play a pivotal role in upholding accountability across the various branches of government and augmenting transparency within the legislative framework.

Furthermore, the inception of a People's Chamber has the potential to cultivate a more symbiotic and collaborative relationship among the distinct branches of government. Functioning as a bridge between the legislative bodies and the general populace, the People's Chamber would facilitate enhanced communication and mutual comprehension among all stakeholders. This enhanced discourse and sharing of perspectives could culminate in more well-informed and comprehensive policy formulation, consequently bolstering the overall efficiency and efficacy of governmental operations.

Moreover, the presence of a People's Chamber could act as a crucial mechanism for oversight and balance vis-a-vis the House and Senate, ensuring that their actions remain aligned with the best interests of the constituents they represent. By emphasizing heightened accountability and vigilance, the People's Chamber could effectively mitigate the risks of power abuse and promote a culture of ethical governance practices within the political landscape. In effect, the establishment of a People's Chamber holds the promise of fostering a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent governmental apparatus that is primed to operate in the optimal interests of the populace it serves.

METHOD of ADOPTION & CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

The ratification of the Peoples Chamber as a constitutional amendment could be achieved through three distinct methods.

The first method involves the traditional congressional proposal process. In this scenario, members of Congress would propose the amendment upon receipt of a sufficiently signed petition and successfully vote in favor of ratification and including the Peoples Chamber as part of the U.S. Constitution. This method relies on the support and cooperation of elected officials to bring about the necessary changes to the existing constitutional framework. This approach albeit the most expedient is also the most unlikely as conflicting interests of politicians is an impossible obstacle.

The second method involves utilizing National Security justifications to pursue legal action through the federal court system. By filing a suit with a Petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court level, proponents of the People’s Chamber could argue for its establishment based on national security concerns and conflicts of interest within Congress. A successful legal victory in this context could pave the way for the creation of the Peoples Chamber as a constitutional amendment.

The third method entails invoking Article V of the Constitution, which provides for a Convention of states to propose amendments. By gathering representatives from various states to discuss and endorse the creation of the Peoples Chamber, proponents could seek to amend the Constitution through a collective and collaborative effort at the state level.

When considering the choice between an Article V Convention and other methods for amending the Constitution, it is essential to understand the process and implications of each option. An Article V Convention, also known as a Constitutional Convention, is a method outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution for proposing amendments. This process involves convening a gathering of delegates from the states to propose amendments to the Constitution. This method is distinct from the traditional method of amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states.

One of the primary arguments in favor of an Article V Convention is that it provides an alternative method for amending the Constitution when Congress is unable or unwilling to properly address pressing issues covered by the People’s Chamber oversight.

Proponents of this method argue that it allows for more direct citizen involvement in the amendment process and can be a way to address issues that Congress may be reluctant to tackle.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an Article V Convention should be made with careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. It is important to weigh the desire for a more direct and citizen-driven amendment process against the potential uncertainties and challenges that may arise from convening a Constitutional Convention. Regardless of the chosen method for amending the Constitution, it is crucial to prioritize the preservation of the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution while also recognizing the need for flexibility and adaptation in a changing world.

Each of these methods presents unique opportunities and challenges in the pursuit of ratifying the Peoples Chamber as a constitutional amendment. The choice of strategy will depend on various factors, including the level of support from elected officials, legal considerations, and the willingness of states to participate in a Convention. Ultimately, the success of this endeavor will hinge on a strategic and coordinated approach that addresses

PUBLIC SUPPORT DRIVEN IMPLEMENTATION

A People's Chamber, in the context of governance, holds numerous benefits that can significantly impact society. Firstly, such a chamber provides a platform for direct representation of the people's interests and concerns, fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment among the citizenry. This direct link between the people and decision-making bodies can enhance transparency in the legislative process, ensuring that policies and laws truly reflect the needs of the population.

Moreover, a People's Chamber can serve as a check on the power of traditional governmental bodies, holding them accountable for their actions and decisions. By allowing citizens to participate in the decision-making process, this chamber can promote a culture of accountability and responsibility among policymakers, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable governance.

Civic engagement plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of a People's Chamber. When citizens actively participate in the political process, they contribute to the transparency of government operations and hold public officials accountable for their actions. This engagement can take various forms, including voting in elections, contacting representatives, attending public meetings, and participating in grassroots movements.

By becoming actively engaged in the political process, citizens can collectively voice their concerns and advocate for change. This collective action has the potential to shape the trajectory of the nation as a whole, influencing policy decisions and driving reforms that reflect the will of the people. Through sustained engagement and advocacy, citizens can hold policymakers accountable, demand transparency in government operations, and drive positive change in society.

In conclusion, a People's Chamber can serve as a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Through active civic engagement, citizens can play a critical role in shaping the direction of their nation and holding their representatives accountable. By working together to advocate for change, citizens can ensure that their voices are heard and that government decisions reflect the best interests of the people.

COUNTEARGUMENTS AND RESPONSES

The concept of a Peoples Chamber, designed to represent the collective interests of the people, inherently aims to address and mitigate conflicts arising from diverging individual interests. By its very nature, a Peoples Chamber is structured to prioritize the common good over individual or factional interests. The essence of such a chamber lies in its ability to serve as a forum for deliberation and decision-making that transcends personal agendas and promotes the welfare of the broader society.

One possible counterargument against the establishment of a Peoples Chamber could be the concern that individuals with conflicting interests may dominate the chamber and hinder the decision-making process. However, the fundamental purpose of a Peoples Chamber is to ensure that diverse viewpoints are heard and considered in the decision-making process. By bringing together a representative cross-section of the population, the chamber can work towards consensus-building and finding solutions that benefit the majority while respecting minority perspectives.

When considering the restrictions of an Article V Convention to prevent it from becoming a runaway convention, it is essential to acknowledge the mechanisms in place to maintain control and adherence to the intended scope of the convention. These restrictions may include clear guidelines on the topics that can be addressed, procedural rules to prevent deviations from the agenda, and mechanisms for oversight and accountability. By establishing these safeguards, the risk of a runaway convention can be minimized, and the focus can remain on the intended purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution.

In conclusion, the very essence of a People’s Chamber lies in its capacity to navigate conflicting interests through inclusive decision-making processes and a focus on the common good. By upholding the principles of representation, deliberation, and accountability, a People’s Chamber can serve as a vital institution for fostering unity and progress within a diverse society. Similarly, the restrictions placed on an Article V Convention are crucial in ensuring that the convention remains focused on its purpose and does not deviate into unforeseen territory, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the constitutional amendment process.

PEOPLE’S CHAMBER LIMITATIONS

The People’s Chamber is restricted in its actions by the following guidelines:

The People’s Chamber may not override legislation that infringes upon state level appropriations, but it may carve out infringements upon a majority of the people’s rights or against any demographic of the population.

The People’s Chamber may vote to reject in whole or in part, other parts of legislative spending actions, but must leave state level appropriations in place as passed by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The People’s Chamber may in it’s course of business investigate any current legislation or appropriations and propose changes to such.

The People’s Chamber must prioritize the protections of people’s rights and ensure that any actions taken do not impede on these rights.

The People’s Chamber must operate transparently and be accountable to the people, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interest of the public.

The People’s Chamber must adhere to the principles of democracy and uphold the rule of law in all it’s actions.

The People’s Chamber must act in a fiscally responsible manner, ensuring that any spending or expenditures are made with the best interest of the people in mind.

LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY

The People's Chamber legislative strategy is built upon the principle of representing the will of the people and ensuring responsible governance. As a conduit between the people and the legislative and executive branches of government, the People's Chamber would hold an overriding power which allows it to enforce frugal spending and curtail out-of-control politics.

One of the primary goals of the People's Chamber is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. By having the final say on fiscal matters, the People's Chamber can prevent wasteful spending and hold government officials accountable for their financial decisions. This helps to protect the interests of the people and ensure that their hard-earned money is being used for the public good.

In addition to promoting fiscal responsibility, the People's Chamber also works to curtail out-of-control politics and prevent corruption within the government. By serving as a watchdog over the legislative branch, the People's Chamber can identify and address unethical behavior, conflicts of interest, and other forms of political misconduct. This helps to maintain the integrity of the government and ensure that elected officials are serving the best interests of the people.

Overall, the People's Chamber legislative strategy is focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. By empowering the people to have a direct voice in the legislative process, the People's Chamber is able to uphold the values of envisioned by the framers to ensure that the government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of its citizens.

Through its overriding voting power and commitment to frugal spending and ethical governance, the People's Chamber plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the people and promoting a fair and just society.

LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS

One of the key benefits of a People's Chamber is that it provides a platform for citizens to actively participate in the processes of government. This can help to bridge the gap between the government and the people, fostering greater trust and engagement in the democratic system. By giving ordinary citizens a voice in the legislative process, decisions are more likely to reflect the needs and concerns of the population as a whole.

Furthermore, a People's Chamber can help to bring a competitive nature into politics. By creating a more level playing field for political candidates, it can encourage a diverse range of voices and perspectives to be represented in government. This can help to break down entrenched power structures and promote healthy competition among elected officials, leading to better governance and decision-making.

Overall, the establishment of a People's Chamber has the potential to bring about positive long-term implications for transparency, accountability, and competitiveness in politics. By giving citizens a greater voice in the political process, it can help to create a more inclusive and responsive government that truly represents the interests of the people.

CONCLUSION

As the constituents come together in support of the Peoples' Chamber, we can all celebrate the common goal of promoting accountability and transparency in government. By promoting frugal spending and removing waste, we can ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

This commitment to responsible governance will set the trajectory of our nation towards a position of strength and prosperity for all Americans. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our country, united in our dedication to good stewardship and a better tomorrow.