The TAR and FEATHER Amendment

The TAR and FEATHER Amendment
(Temporary American Representation and Fair Electoral Accountability for the Honest Engagement of Representatives)

Proposal for a Constitutional Amendment

Preamble:
Recognizing the widespread dissatisfaction with the current congressional system, the TAR and FEATHER Amendment seeks to restore genuine citizen representation in government by replacing career politicians with temporary, randomly selected citizen legislators who will serve brief terms, directly engage with their communities, and uphold democratic accountability.

Section 1: Dissolution of the Current Congressional System
The United States Congress, as it currently exists, shall be dissolved and replaced with a Citizen Legislative Assembly (CLA) composed of randomly selected individuals from diverse occupational backgrounds, ensuring fair and balanced representation of the American populace.

Section 2: Selection Process for Citizen Legislators

1. Citizens shall be randomly selected from voter rolls in each municipality, similar to jury duty, to serve as temporary representatives in the CLA.
2. Selection shall be representative of various professional and economic backgrounds, including but not limited to farmers, teachers, mechanics, business owners, service workers, healthcare professionals, and engineers.
3. Individuals selected must pass a basic civics and ethics exam before assuming duties.

Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities

1. Each citizen legislator shall serve a single term of no more than six months.
2. While in Washington, D.C., they shall reside in government-provided dormitories or office spaces with minimal amenities to discourage careerism and self-interest.
3. Legislators must vote on national policies and bills based on their personal conscience and the needs of their constituents.
4. All votes and decision-making processes shall be made public, ensuring full transparency.

Section 4: Accountability to Constituents

1. Upon completing their service, legislators must return to their home municipalities and hold mandatory public town halls to explain each of their votes and decisions.
2. Constituents shall have the right to question and evaluate their performance, ensuring they remain accountable to the people rather than political parties or special interests.
3. Any legislator found to have accepted bribes, engaged in corruption, or acted against the interests of the public shall be subject to legal and civil penalties.

Section 5: Prohibition of Career Politicians

1. No individual shall serve more than one term in the Citizen Legislative Assembly.
2. Former legislators are barred from lobbying or holding government contracts for a period of ten years after service.
3. Political parties shall not have control over the selection process, ensuring an independent and impartial legislative body.

Section 6: Implementation and Transition

1. Upon ratification, a phased transition period of no more than two years shall begin, during which the current congressional system will be dismantled and the Citizen Legislative Assembly established.
2. A national oversight commission composed of randomly selected judges, academics, and civic leaders shall ensure a smooth and lawful transition.

Conclusion:
The TAR and FEATHER Amendment restores the original intent of government by ensuring representation is truly of, by, and for the people. By eliminating career politicians and enforcing direct accountability, this amendment will return power to everyday citizens, reduce corruption, and create a government that functions with integrity and responsiveness to the needs of the American people.