Editor's note: The Amendment proposed by SJ21 would effectively overrule Supreme Court decisions that treat campaign spending as "free speech" (Buckley v. Valeo ) and created corporate "rights" to influence ballot questions ( First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti).

The proposed Amendment is nearly identical to one we have long promoted. We encourage you to help publicize this Resolution and urge your legislators to co-sponsor.

Joint Resolution

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two- thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission by the Congress:

ARTICLE  - SECTION 1
Congress shall have power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, Federal office.

SECTION 2
A State shall have power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for — (1) State or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures; and (2) campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, State or local office.

SECTION 3
Congress shall have power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

 

Related Articles and Pages:

* It's Time to Overrule the Supreme Court (on Buckley v. Valeo)

Go to Home Page