The Sempronian Manifesto

This series contains two parts, the first being a set of constitutional reforms and the other a policy platform. Together, I believe these would fix a lot of the problems facing America today if they were implemented. In drafting these documents, I was attempting to think outside the box so to speak, to avoid partisan talking points and binary thinking. I wanted to bring in strategies from lesser known ideologies and from other countries which I have yet to see any mainstream US policy maker or media outlet discuss. That being said, I acknowledge my own shortcomings and therefore I welcome any constructive feedback in the comments or in private messages.

This project is not meant to be incendiary nor otherwise disrespectful to the US Constitution and its principles. It is a good-natured thought experiment from an enthusiastic student of history, political science and philosophy. It is also an attempt to protect those same principles in a modern world that’s vastly different from what our founders ever could have predicted. Perhaps more than anything else, it’s a sincere attempt to inspire a thoughtful discussion of possible remedies for the issues plaguing our country, nothing more and nothing less.

This series is named after Tiberius and Gaius Sempronius Gracchus, the two great reformers of the Roman Republic. For my own personal amusement, I’ve signed the most important installments in this series with the pseudonym “Gracchus” in the style of the Federalist and Anti-federalist Papers which shaped our nation’s early government. It was fashionable in those days to publish political essays under the names of Roman politicians, such as “Publius,” “Brutus,” “Cato,” and even “Caesar” among many others. Yet, despite their proud legacy, nobody at the time chose to honor either of these great men in their discourse. I believe it’s past time that a “Gracchus” left their mark on the US.

I have briefly described my own political leanings in two different essays on this site in the past. Feel free to read them if you’re interested in what my biases and preconceived ideals are before reading my work.

The Gaian Constitution

This is a multi-part series where I describe an alternative government framework to better reflect the needs of a modern state. The name “Gaian” is a tribute to Gaius Sempronius Gracchus, a progressive reformer and my favorite politician of the Roman Republic.

Cornelia Africana introducing her sons, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus.

Introduction

Article I. The Bill of Rights

Article II. The Bill of Responsibilities

Article III. The Legislature

Article IV. The Executive

Article V. The Judiciary

Article VI. The Citizenry

Article VII. The Union

Rejected Ideas/Outtakes

The Tiberian Platform

This is a multi-part series where I propose a new philosophical and socio-economic framework to better suit the needs of the people. The name “Tiberian” is a reference to Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, a brave tribune of the plebeians and one of the most important politicians of the Roman Republic.