Citizens should review Florida Constitution proposals with caution

Every 20 years, Florida’s core governing document, the Florida Constitution, is opened up for a top-to-bottom review. Through this process, which is happening right now, the Constitution Revision Commission examines and determines what, if any, amendments to propose directly to the citizens of our state.

In order to inform, educate and engage both our lawyers and our citizens, The Florida Bar recently launched the education program “Protect Florida Democracy: Our Constitution, Our Rights, Our Courts” to engage Floridians as to what the CRC is considering and how each of us can engage in the process.

After considering suggestions from citizens and its members, by May 2018, the CRC will make final decisions on which proposed amendments will go directly on the ballot, without any other authorities reviewing. In the November 2018 general election, we, the voters, will have the opportunity and the responsibility to decide which of the proposed amendments will pass and which will fail. Proposed constitutional amendments must receive 60 percent of the public’s vote to change Florida’s Constitution.

We should pay careful attention to the proposals and revise our constitution with caution. Specifically, we should remember that our democratic process was built on a foundation of three separate but equal branches of government. A complex and delicate balance of power exists among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and it is of the utmost importance that we safeguard this balance. Any proposal that tips the scales in favor of one branch over another should be viewed with great caution. Our democracy has endured for so long largely thanks to this elegant balance, and it is important that we protect it.

This story was originally published October 19, 2017 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Citizens should review Florida Constitution proposals with caution."