KQED's Forum Historian Jill Lepore on Amending the Constitution And Rep. Peter Aguilar on the Shutdown
Oct 15, 2025
Historian Jill Lepore delves into the complexities of amending the U.S. Constitution, arguing that a lack of amendments has led to undemocratic elements like the Electoral College. She discusses historical contexts that made amendment rarer and the implications of an 'unamendable' Constitution. Meanwhile, Rep. Pete Aguilar addresses the ongoing government shutdown, holding Republicans accountable while expressing commitment to federal workers. He emphasizes the potential impact of healthcare cuts on his constituents and outlines Democratic strategies for the upcoming elections.
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Unamendability Threatens Legitimacy
- A constitution the public cannot realistically amend risks losing legitimacy and invites political instability.
- Lack of amendment capacity can produce insurrectionary politics and weaken faith in government.
Bill Of Rights Born From A Promise
- Framers promised states they'd add protections after ratification to secure approval.
- That promise produced the Bill of Rights in the first Congress.
Courts Fill The Amendment Void
- When formal amendment stalls, constitutional change shifts to courts, increasing judicial power and politicization.
- This makes Supreme Court nominations and decisions central arenas for constitutional change.
