Photo by Jose M on Unsplash

America 2.0

Where do we go from here?

Peter T. Coleman

Today, the USA stands at a critical crossroad, facing challenges that our Founding Fathers could scarcely have imagined. The nation’s founding documents — meant to safeguard liberty and democracy — have instead facilitated gridlock, inequality, toxic polarization and injustice. Yet, within these flaws lie the seeds for a new beginning: “America 2.0.” This reboot aims to rework the Constitution’s shortcomings and make America truly reflective of its foundational ideals.

Equality, for Real This Time

The Declaration of Independence’s claim that “all men are created equal” was aspirational. However, the original Constitution permitted slavery and ignored the rights of women, Indigenous peoples, and countless others. To achieve true equality, America must act decisively. This means ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, introducing reparations for the descendants of enslaved people, and protecting LGBTQ+ rights through expanded anti-discrimination laws. It also calls for the restoration of Indigenous sovereignty, returning lands when possible, and supporting self-governance and cultural preservation initiatives. This isn’t charity; it’s justice long overdue. Rights aren’t fully realized until they’re equally enjoyed by all.

Today, YOU can:

1. Support and advocate for Equal Rights Amendment ratification through local activist groups
2. Engage with Indigenous cultural preservation initiatives in your community
3. Start a local “history correction” initiative to update incorrect/biased historical markers
4. Create neighborhood time banks where services are exchanged equally regardless of profession

A Democracy Worth the Name

The Constitution established a government structure featuring checks and balances, federalism, and the separation of powers. However, unintended consequences, such as partisan gridlock and unequal representation, have emerged over time. For instance, the Senate’s structure favors smaller states, while the Electoral College routinely undermines the popular will of voters. For “America 2.0,” these archaic institutions must either adapt or make way for reforms like a popular vote for the presidency, proportional Senate representation, and an expanded House. Structural changes would inject vitality into American democracy, ending the era of minority rule and gridlock.

Today, YOU can:

1. Contact state representatives to support voting rights legislation
2. Volunteer as a poll worker during local and state elections
3. Organize “democracy dinners” where neighbors discuss local issues over meals
4. Start a “ballot buddy” system to help homebound voters participate in elections

Revitalizing Democratic Participation

The founders envisioned a government deriving its power from the consent of the governed, but our current system often falls short of this ideal. To reinvigorate American democracy, we must remove barriers to voting and encourage widespread civic participation. This includes implementing automatic voter registration, making Election Day a national holiday, and expanding early voting and mail-in ballot options. Civic education should be strengthened to include critical engagement with the nation’s history, recognizing both achievements and shortcomings. Programs that encourage participation in local governance, such as citizen assemblies and town halls, can foster a culture of active civic involvement. Finally, like Taiwan who is leading the way, we must embrace the power of broadband technologies to reach out to and hear from all members our union — especially the more rural and disenfranchised — to better inform decision making and governance at all levels.

Today, YOU can:

1. Join or organize local citizen assemblies and town halls
2. Participate in digital democracy initiatives and online civic forums
3. Create augmented reality civic education games for your community
4. Develop a local “citizen journalist” program to cover municipal meetings

Tackling Economic Inequality

The Constitution’s focus on property rights and limited regulation of economic practices paved the way for an America where wealth dictates power. Now, economic disparities are greater than ever. To rebalance, “America 2.0” must adopt a progressive tax system, ensure a living wage, and expand social safety nets. Policies like these would redistribute economic power, making the promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” a reality for more than just the top earners. Furthermore, campaign finance reform is essential for creating a more egalitarian democracy. Policies such as public financing of elections, stricter limits on campaign contributions, and increased transparency in political donations can reduce the influence of money in politics. These changes would help ensure that elected officials are accountable to all citizens, not just wealthy donors, thereby restoring the principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Today, YOU can:

1. Support local living wage campaigns and worker rights initiatives
2. Research and back candidates who prioritize campaign finance reform
3. Start a tool/resource library in your neighborhood to reduce individual purchasing needs
4. Create a local skills marketplace where payment is based on time, not market rates

Embrace Environmental Stewardship

Our founding documents did not anticipate the environmental challenges we face today. A modern vision for America must incorporate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing robust conservation policies, and taking a leadership role in global efforts to combat climate change.

Today, YOU can:

1. Transition personal energy use to renewable sources where possible
2. Join local conservation efforts and environmental advocacy groups
3. Organize “reverse yard sales” where people swap unwanted items for native plants
4. Start a neighborhood food forest on unused common spaces

Rebalance Government Power

The Constitution’s system of checks and balances was designed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful, yet we’ve seen a gradual expansion of executive authority and judicial overreach. To restore equilibrium, we must reassess and potentially reform the roles of each branch. For the executive branch, this could mean limiting the use of executive orders and requiring greater congressional oversight for military actions. In the judiciary, implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices could reduce the politicization of the court and ensure it remains responsive to evolving societal needs. Additionally, establishing clearer criteria for judicial review could limit the Court’s ability to dominate policymaking, reinforcing the separation of powers.

Today, YOU can:

1. Track and contact representatives about executive order usage
2. Support organizations advocating for Supreme Court reform
3. Create citizen oversight committees for local government algorithms and AI use
4. Organize “shadow cabinets” to monitor local government departments

Federalism, but Smarter

The Constitution established a system of federalism that divides power between national and state governments. While this system has served us well in many ways, it has also led to inconsistencies in the protection of individual rights and the implementation of crucial policies. A new vision for American federalism should seek to strike a balance between local autonomy and national standards, particularly in areas such as civil rights, healthcare, and education. This could involve establishing stronger federal baselines for essential rights and services while allowing states flexibility in implementation. Establishing mechanisms for federal oversight, coupled with incentives for states that adopt progressive policies, could help ensure that all citizens receive equitable treatment regardless of where they live.

Today, YOU can:

1. Engage in state-level policy advocacy for national standards
2. Participate in public comment periods for federal regulations
3. Start interstate citizen exchange programs to share policy solutions
4. Create cross-state problem-solving networks for shared regional challenges

Dismantle the Cult of the Gun

America is currently awash with guns, and they are killing us. The Second Amendment was written when people loaded muskets, not semi-automatics. In a nation of approximately 330 million people, we have reportedly 398.5 million (legal and illegal) guns, which is 1.2 guns per person, and we manufacture another 13.4 million guns annually. Research has consistently shown that more guns result in more gun deaths, from homicides to suicides to accidental. The US has a significantly higher rate of firearm homicide than other high-income countries, and we are by far the only nation in the world with over 100 mass shootings annually. Many other nations, such as Australia, Japan, and Norway have successfully implemented policies to reduce firearm deaths. Policies that work elsewhere — mandatory buybacks, waiting periods, and background checks — can work here too. As the US Surgeon general said this year, “Firearm violence is a public health crisis. Our failure to address it is a moral crisis. To protect the health and well-being of Americans, especially our children, we must now act with the clarity, courage and urgency that this moment demands.”

Today, YOU can:

1. Join gun safety advocacy groups and attend their events
2. Support candidates and initiatives promoting evidence-based gun policies
3. Organize buyback programs that turn guns into public art installations
4. Create community safety networks that reduce perceived need for weapons

Embrace Global Cooperation

In an increasingly interconnected world, America’s vision must extend beyond its borders. While the Declaration of Independence asserted our sovereignty, we must now balance that with a commitment to global cooperation. This involves strengthening our participation in international institutions, honoring our treaty obligations, and taking a leadership role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.

Today, YOU can:

1. Get involved with international exchange programs or cultural initiatives
2. Support organizations working on global issues like climate change and poverty
3. Start sister-neighborhood programs with communities in other countries
4. Create local “global impact maps” showing your community’s worldwide connections

Conclusion

The vision for America 2.0 is not about discarding our founding principles, but rather about fulfilling their true promise in a modern context. It calls for a nation that truly embodies equality, fosters robust democratic participation, maintains a balanced government, addresses economic disparities, prioritizes environmental stewardship, reimagines federalism, and engages constructively with the global community.

Realizing this vision will require bold action, sustained effort, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about our past and present. It will demand that we bridge political divides, engage in respectful dialogue, and find common ground even amidst deep disagreements. But if we can rise to this challenge, we have the opportunity to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable nation — one that honors the best of our founding ideals while courageously addressing their shortcomings.