7 articles
A new bill proposes creating a bipartisan commission to assess presidential fitness, using a provision of the 25th Amendment that Congress has never acted upon. Introduced by Congressman Jamie Raskin, the legislation aims to provide an independent check on a president's ability to serve. This aims to ensure governmental stability and address concerns about presidential capacity.
Senator Alyssa Slotkin and other military veterans in Congress issued a video reminding service members of their duty to refuse unlawful orders. This bold stance faced political backlash and legal inquiries, which Slotkin resisted, citing constitutional rights and the dangers of intimidation.
The 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship is under intense debate. Panel guests discuss whether the long-standing interpretation is outdated and explore the practical challenges and historical context surrounding this core American principle.
Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe stressed the need to protect the Constitution, calling out former President Trump's tendency to dismiss it. He highlighted Chief Justice Roberts' view that it's a "new world" but the "same Constitution," emphasizing its enduring strength and adaptability to modern challenges. Tribe also underscored that changes to the Constitution must follow the amendment process, not executive orders or court rulings.
Discussion surrounding Donald Trump's comments on a third term and his handling of foreign policy has led to renewed debate about the 25th Amendment. Critics argue his behavior suggests incapacitation, while the amendment's complex process for removal remains a significant hurdle.
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, a right last exercised in 1941. However, a history of presidential actions and broad congressional authorizations has shifted war-making authority towards the executive branch. Current debates highlight the ongoing struggle to reassert congressional oversight in military engagements.
Historian Jon Meacham argues the U.S. Constitution was designed for moments of crisis like the present. Drawing parallels to Frederick Douglass and past national struggles, he emphasizes that while the republic is fragile, its endurance relies on citizens actively preserving it.
