B.1. Periodic Review

Beginning in 2040, and every twenty years thereafter, a national referendum must be held to determine whether the People reaffirm the delegation of their Sovereign Power to the government under this Charter. The referendum shall occur during the regularly scheduled federal election of that year.

The ballot shall present the following question:

“Do you wish to continue delegating your Sovereign Power to the government as outlined in the National Charter?”

Voters shall respond either “Yes” or “No.” If “No” receives three-fifths or more of the votes cast, Consent shall be deemed In Question.

Congress must convene a Demi-Congress no later than January 31 of the odd-numbered year immediately following the referendum. The Demi-Congress shall be composed of one Citizen selected at random from each State and Territory. This panel shall be vested with the authority to investigate the causes of public dissatisfaction with the Charter and recommend potential remedies, including reforms, amendments, or structural changes.

The Demi-Congress must complete its investigation and submit a public report, including findings and any recommendations, by December 31 of the same odd-numbered year.

The Vice President of the United States shall preside over the Demi-Congress. In this role, the Vice President shall serve solely as a neutral arbiter of parliamentary procedure and may not participate in deliberation or influence outcomes.

The Demi-Congress must be fully funded by Congress and shall have the power to commission public opinion research, conduct hearings, request testimony, and consult expert advisors as it deems necessary.

If recommendations are made, a period of public education shall begin on January 1 of the next even-numbered year. All such recommendations must be submitted to a binding national referendum held during the next regularly scheduled federal election in that year. The result of that referendum shall close the Question until the next scheduled review.

The results of any referenda conducted under this Section shall be binding. The outcome of the vote shall close the Question until the next scheduled twenty-year review or until the People initiate a new review through lawful procedures.

Nothing in this Section limits the People’s Right to initiate Charter revision or replacement through the procedures defined in Article VI, Section 5.

No branch or official of government may obstruct, delay, interfere with, or refuse to administer the referendum or processes described in this Section. Any such act constitutes a breach of this Charter and may be challenged by any Citizen, including under Civic Standing as defined in Article IV.