The only way, it would seem, to affect the kind of change that supporters of the initiative want is to amend the state constitution, effectively changing the law of the land. Supporters argue that this is the only viable option left, especially in light of the fact that marijuana is less dangerous the alcohol -- a legal drug -- and that the war on drugs has netted no significant

. But it is a shame that the ERA -- an amendment that is fair, appropriate, and necessary -- is attacked by right wing organizations using phony, absurd arguments to shoot down this amendment. Nevertheless, the procedure that Congress and the states must go through to amend the Constitution has stood the test of time. And in any event, the U.S. Supreme Court has had the authority -- and has

The final determinant of the union's competence in any matter lies with the European Court of Justice. This makes the European Court of Justice the highest constitutional forum in Europe dealing with matters of dispute inter-se the national states and the Union itself. The end product is an elegant scheme which allows for maximum sovereignty and sense of participation to the individual citizen and which minimizes the impact of

Constitutional government Creating a system of checks and balances A constitutional government places limits upon the exercise of power in writing. Power is invested in institutions, not simply in people or customs. According to President Woodrow Wilson: "A constitutional government is one whose powers have been adapted to the interests of its people and to the maintenance of individual liberty. That, in brief, is the conception we constantly make use of,

Fourth, a small but significant controversy surrounds the timing of the proposed amendment and its inevitable link to "the Governator." The first issue, regarding the sacrosanct nature of the constitution, is one of the easiest to address. While amending the constitution should not be taken lightly or respond merely to the fluctuating passions of a rapidly changing society, many constitutional amendments are necessary to preserve and enforce the specific liberties

Articles of Confederation and Constitution Constitution addressed a number of complaints listed in the Declaration of Independence against Great Britain's King. In addition, the Constitution cured a number of weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation by giving powers, rights and divisions to the federal government, as well as providing a different method of amending the Constitution. At times, the Constitution was developed through compromises such as the Great Compromise, which set