The founders gave us a revolutionary document in 1787. Now, as our democracy fractures under polarization and systemic dysfunction, it’s our turn to revitalize it.
Our Constitution was drafted by 55 men meeting behind closed doors. They created a framework that has endured for centuries, yet even they understood its imperfections. Thomas Jefferson himself believed each generation should rewrite its constitution, famously writing to James Madison in 1789 that “the earth belongs to the living” and no generation should be governed by laws created by the dead.[1] Instead, we’ve made just 27 amendments in 238 years.
We face a stark choice: watch as our democracy erodes, or rise together and build an inter-partisan citizens movement to refresh our founding document through a process more democratic than anything the founders could have imagined.
Citizens’ Assemblies to Renew Democracy
Imagine gatherings in every state where America’s diverse tapestry comes to life—nurses from rural towns finding common ground with urban entrepreneurs, retirees and factory workers discovering shared concerns about their grandchildren’s future. When diverse Americans deliberate together, free from partisan pressure, they consistently reach consensus on issues that paralyze our elected institutions. What sets these assemblies apart is their revolutionary approach to representation—participants selected by sortition, creating a genuine cross-section of America free from the corruption of campaign finance.
For more information Citizens’ Assemblies, check out these resources:
- DemocracyNext: Assembling an Assembly Guide
- Leadership Now Project: Guide on Citizens’ Assemblies
Why States Are the Perfect Bridge
State Citizens’ Assemblies represent the essential next step in our democratic revolution—the ideal laboratory for inter-partisan collaboration that national politics currently makes impossible.
States provide the perfect scale—large enough to represent America’s diversity, yet small enough for genuine connection. They transcend the red/blue binary. Even the “reddest” and “bluest” states contain multitudes—rural progressives, urban conservatives, independent thinkers of all stripes.
The inter-partisan magic happens through careful design. Each assembly begins with balanced teams from across the spectrum—former officials, community organizers, business leaders, faith representatives. Inside the assembly, participants hear multiple perspectives, with professional facilitators helping them move beyond talking points to find common values. Research consistently shows that deliberative processes produce more thoughtful, nuanced policy recommendations than traditional political mechanisms.[4]
When people engage as neighbors rather than political opponents, the artificial barriers created by partisan media dissolve. The conservative farmer concerned about government overreach discovers common ground with the progressive activist fighting corporate power. What emerges is the authentic voice of the American people—more reasonable, more nuanced, and more united than our broken politics suggests.
States are not merely important but absolutely essential to constitutional amendment—both formally and strategically. Article V of the Constitution establishes two paths to amendment, and both run directly through the states. Amendments can be proposed either by two-thirds of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. More critically, ratification requires three-fourths of states regardless of the proposal method. This design wasn’t accidental—the founders ensured states would serve as critical guardians of constitutional change, preventing hasty amendments while enabling necessary evolution.
Beyond these formal requirements, states serve as vital laboratories for democratic innovation where diverse solutions can emerge from America’s varied political landscapes. State-based Citizens’ Assemblies leverage this federalist framework by building momentum state by state, creating concrete examples of successful deliberation that can overcome Constitutional gridlock. State-level activism can generate unstoppable momentum for transformation.
The Roadmap Forward
#unifyUSA is launching a nationwide call for State-level Citizen Assembly Design Teams as the first crucial step to start the planning of State Citizens Assemblies as we strive towards constitutional renewal. We need diverse, inter-partisan citizen-led teams, in ideally all 50 states and U.S. territories, to each develop a plan to convene Citizens’ Assemblies in their States and areas.
Join or help form a State Design Team in your region. Please fill out this form if you are interested in designing a State Level Citizens’ Assembly in your State.
This immediate action by States will set us on the path to a National Citizens Assembly, representing all of of the people by July 4, 2026—America’s 250th birthday, or as soon as possible. Once State Design Teams are established, we’ll help ensure these events are successful and we’ll work hard to engage the public to actively participate. We intend to ensure that State Citizen Assembly Design Teams seek demographic and ideological diversity in the selection of assembly participants.
State Citizens’ Assemblies can convene across America, developing recommendations for constitutional amendment and reconstruction. We’ll integrate these proposals into a comprehensive framework for a Refreshed Constitution to be considered at a National Citizens Assembly.
Small-group Conversations to Launch This Historic Movement
Engaging the people can start with living room conversations —small-group gatherings designed for workplaces, faith communities, student organizations, veterans’ groups, and more. These can be held in person or virtually, allowing flexible, decentralized participation.
Check out the Living Room Conversation guide: Of, By, and For The People Let’s Talk About the Constitution. It is a simple, structured way for 4-7 people to communicate and build connections by meeting in person or by video call to listen to and be heard by others. Everyone is invited to share, learn, and be curious. Also, included in this guide is the opportunity for participants to receive a “Civic Badge“ for participation in this activity that you add to your LinkedIn profile.
Every great democratic advance in our history began with ordinary citizens refusing to accept the status quo. The Second American Revolution won’t be won with weapons or violence. It will triumph through thousands of conversations in living rooms and libraries across the country, where Americans rediscover their power to govern themselves.
This isn’t just another reform—it’s a peaceful revolution to create a citizen-driven democracy that begins with you and your state.
Dr. Paul Zeitz is the Co-Founder of #unifyUSA, an inter-partisan citizens’ movement dedicated to Hit Refresh the U.S. Constitution through Citizens’ Assemblies and author of Revolutionary Optimism: 7 Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist and his .
References:
James S. Fishkin and Robert C. Luskin, “Experimenting with a Democratic Ideal: Deliberative Polling and Public Opinion,” Acta Politica, 2005
Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, September 6, 1789, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Princeton University
David M. Farrell et al., “The Irish Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality,” Irish Political Studies, 2022
Hélène Landemore, “Inclusive Constitution-Making: The Icelandic Experiment,” Journal of Political Philosophy, 2015