America’s Crumbling Institutions: A Call for a Constitutional Convention Before It’s Too Late
Plight of the Average American, Eroding International Support and the Role of Money in Politics
America, once a land synonymous with opportunity, democratic values and international respect, now grapples with the stark reality of crumbling institutions, especially of the rule of law, growing inequality and international scorn. Average Americans find themselves increasingly marginalized, their voices drowned out by the overpowering influence of money in politics and the men and women sloshing their money into the system to gain political advantage; while the sound of America’s national anthem is booed in Canada, its largest trading partner and arguably its closest ally who has fought at America’s side in all its recent wars. America is in the midst of a multifaceted crisis affecting its core structures and underscoring the urgent need for substantial, not marginal reforms. Congress is at best dysfunctional, overly partisan and cannot be expected to spearhead reforms, let alone badly needed constitutional amendments. The Supreme Court as well as much of the legal structure has lost the respect of a majority of Americans while the President does as he wishes unchecked.
American institutions, whether political, judicial or educational, have long been the bedrock of society, providing stability and governance. However, the erosion of trust and efficacy within these institutions has reached an alarming level. Political gridlock, judicial partisanship, and a beleaguered educational system illustrate the country’s widespread dysfunction. This deterioration is not merely a symptom, but also a catalyst for the deeper social and economic crises facing the nation.
At the heart of America’s internal troubles lies the plight of the average citizen. Economic disparities have widened to an almost unprecedented level, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority struggle to make ends meet. The middle class, once the pillar of American prosperity, has been shrinking, and the working poor face insurmountable challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and housing. The social safety nets intended to protect the vulnerable are fraying, leaving countless individuals without the support they desperately need, while a few enjoy unimaginable wealth and are oblivious to the struggles and frustrations of the majority. The continuing historic wealth transfer to the very rich is saddling America’s future with mountainous national debt and growing budget deficits.
Inequality in America is not just an economic issue; it is a pervasive social crisis that undermines the very fabric of society. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened dramatically over the past few decades to the highest level in recorded history. The wealthiest 1 percent of Americans now own more than what belongs to the bottom 90 percent. This concentration of wealth has far-reaching implications, from reduced social mobility to increased political polarization and resentment. The correlation between wealth and political influence further exacerbates inequities and suspicion, creating a vicious cycle that entrenches the status quo.
Money’s corrosive influence on politics is perhaps the most significant driver of institutional decay and inequality. Campaign finance laws, or the lack thereof, have allowed for an environment where political power is often bought rather than earned. Wealthy donors and special interest groups wield disproportionate influence over policy decisions, often at the expense of the public good. This dynamic not only skews representation but also stifles meaningful reform, as politicians become beholden to their financial backers rather than their constituents. In this environment America is more akin to an oligarchy, or at best a plutocracy rather than a democracy.
Domestically, freedom of speech, a cornerstone of American democracy, has been stifled under the guise of combating anti-Semitism and anti-Capitalism. One wealthy Israeli-American donor, Miriam Adelson, has changed the face of the Middle East by donating nearly $200 million to Trump’s two presidential campaigns. Elon Musk, unelected and a man with no expertise in running a country, stands today arguably as the co-President of the United States after donating roughly $250 million to Trump’s campaign. The suppression of speech undermines open dialogue and the exchange of diverse perspectives, which are essential for a healthy democracy. Money in politics has not only adversely affected our domestic social compact but has also corrupted our international relations.
On the international stage, America’s actions have led to a loss of trust and standing within the global community. The country’s blind and unprincipled support for Israel amidst accusations of ongoing genocide and backing for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian lands has drawn widespread global criticism. Additionally, the pressure exerted by the United States on Ireland and South Africa to reject the Palestinian cause, coupled with sanctions on the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to drop cases against Israel and its leaders, have further eroded America’s standing.
The situation in Ukraine highlights another area of concern. America’s perceived abandonment of Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in favor of Russia, has raised questions about the country’s commitment to supporting its allies. Reports of pressure on Ukraine not to accuse Russia of starting the war in a UN resolution and replacing its testimony with a toned down version sympathetic to Russia, while demanding a share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for any American support is extortion pure and simple, extortion resembling historic Mafia tactics.
An American President’s threat to annex Canada, the Panama Canal, Greenland or Gaza, which some may call a negotiating tactic, is still outrageous and a threat to the international order.
Unfortunately, there has been little or no pushback from a compliant Congress to reject these imperial decisions.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) epitomizes the destructive role of money in politics. By ruling that corporations and unions can spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns, the court effectively opened the floodgates for unprecedented levels of spending. This ruling has led to the rise of Super PACs and dark money, further entrenching the power of the affluent and marginalizing the average voter. This Supreme Court decision undermines the principle of democratic equality by amplifying the voices of the few over the many.
The silence, especially the omission of any meaningful pushback, by America’s lawmakers in the Senate and the House is beyond shameful. American politicians have truly lost their way. They seem to know not why they are in Congress. It is to serve the National Interest and not to amass personal wealth and a campaign war chest for their next re-election in two or six years. They are there to set an example to prevent abuse and not to use the system for their own advantage as members trade individual stocks with access to privileged information and power over legislation and do their financial supporter’s bidding.
Given the depth and breadth of these issues, small fixes and incremental changes will not suffice. Addressing America’s institutional decay and growing inequality requires bold, transformative action. Reforms must target not only the symptoms but forcefully address root causes. This includes overhauling the campaign finance system, implementing effective progressive taxation, strengthening social safety nets, overhauling Congress and possibly extending the term of House members to four years while adopting term limits for both senators and representatives, judicial reforms to include term limits for all judges and meaningful ethics rules and their strict enforcement by Congress that has the power to oversee the courts but has been timid to stand up lest its own abuses also come to light. Much of all these are needed in order to restore public trust in the judicial system, in our politicians and in the importance of democracy to our national wellbeing to serve the common good.
Much of the current crisis is attributed to the inaction of Congress and the Supreme Court as a president tramples on the Constitution. Politicians’ reluctance to challenge the executive branch has allowed for the erosion of democratic principles. Furthermore, the role of unlimited money in politics has fostered corruption, both in politics and in the private sector, undermining the values that America has long championed globally.
America stands at a crossroads. The challenges it faces, from institutional decay to economic inequality and international standing are profound, intertwined and multifaceted. Ignoring the plight of the average American and allowing money to dictate politics will only deepen the crises facing the country. It is imperative to recognize that substantial and systemic change is necessary. Delay will only exacerbate our problems and may lead to unprecedented domestic and international upheavals that may be irreversible. Only through concerted effort and unwavering commitment to justice and equality can America hope to rebuild its institutions, forge a more cooperative, inclusive and equitable future for all its citizens and regain the respect and trust of the rest of the world.
To address the multitude of issues plaguing the nation, a constitutional convention may be necessary. Such a convention could provide an opportunity to reflect on and rectify the country’s fundamental problems, ensuring that America can save itself and uphold the principles upon which it was founded.
