The US Constitution in Confucian Terms
The Sage President
The Great Mandate of Harmony
Our 18th century Constitution has exhausted its usefulness and now makes us uncompetitive and unhappy. Below, I have reimagined the Constitution in Confucian terms..
Preamble: The Five Constant Virtues
We, the virtuous assembly of the Middle Kingdom of the United States, guided by the Mandate of Heaven, seek to cultivate a harmonious union, uphold righteousness (yi), ensure the tranquility of the realm, defend the people as a father protects his kin, promote the welfare of all under Heaven (tianxia), and secure the enduring legacy of moral order (li) for ourselves and our descendants, hereby establish this Sacred Covenant for the governance of our land and embrace the Five Constant Virtues:
I. To cultivate humanity (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and trustworthiness (xin);
II. To honor the bonds of family and community;
III. To uphold the Rectification of Names so that our words align with our actions;
IV. To ensure that rulers govern with moral example rather than force;
V. To secure the welfare of all under Heaven, promoting peace and prosperity—
We hereby ordain and establish this Constitution.
Article I: The Assembly of Scholars and Leaders
All authority derives from the Mandate of Heaven, which rests upon those who rule justly and wisely.
A bicameral legislature shall oversee the affairs of state:
The Hall of Deliberation, composed of representatives chosen by the people, reflecting their needs and grievances.
The Council of Elders , composed of esteemed individuals selected for their wisdom, integrity, and experience, serving as advisors to guide policy in accordance with tradition and virtue.
No law shall pass without careful deliberation, ensuring alignment with the principles of righteousness and propriety.
Article II: The Sage President
The executive power shall reside in an appointed leader, known as the Sage Ruler, who embodies the virtues of humility, self-discipline, and compassion.
The Sage Ruler shall not seek personal gain but shall act as a servant to the people, guided by the teachings of the sages and the will of Heaven.
The Sage Ruler shall appoint ministers and officials based on merit and moral character, ensuring that each serves the public good faithfully.
Article III: The Tribunal of Righteousness
Judicial power shall rest in the hands of impartial judges, known as the Guardians of Rectitude , whose duty is to interpret laws fairly and dispense justice according to Heaven’s decrees.
Trials shall proceed with due process, respecting the dignity of all parties involved and upholding the principle of harmony over conflict.
Punishments shall aim at rehabilitation and restoration of balance, rather than mere retribution.
Article IV: The Sacred Bonds of Community
Each household shall serve as the foundation of society, where filial piety (xiao) and fraternal love (ti) are practiced daily.
Local communities shall resolve disputes through mediation and mutual understanding, fostering social cohesion.
Education shall emphasize moral instruction, cultivating citizens who contribute to the common good.
Article V: The Mandate of Mutual Obligation
Citizens owe loyalty and service to the state, fulfilling duties such as taxation, defense, and participation in governance.
In return, the state must protect its citizens’ livelihoods, ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Neither ruler nor ruled may exploit the other; both must act in harmony, guided by the Golden Mean.
Article VI: The Path of Peaceful Change
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by consensus among the Hall of Deliberation, the Council of Elders, and the Sage Ruler.
Such changes must reflect the evolving needs of society while remaining rooted in timeless Confucian principles.
Disputes over interpretation shall be resolved through dialogue and compromise, avoiding discord and division.
Article VII: Universal Brotherhood Under Heaven
This nation recognizes the unity of all peoples under Heaven, embracing diversity while striving for universal harmony.
Foreign relations shall prioritize peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation.
War shall only be waged as a last resort, when righteousness demands it, and always with sorrow and restraint.
Conclusion: The Call to Virtue
Let every American citizen remember that true freedom lies not in selfish desires but in fulfilling one’s role within the larger order of things. By cultivating virtue in ourselves, we bring harmony to our families, strength to our communities, and stability to our nation. May this Constitution endure as a testament to the eternal truths of Heaven and Earth.
Signed in solemnity and sincerity,
By the People, For the People, Under Heaven
Major Differences, imo, between Chinese and American societies.
1. Homelessness: China has made significant efforts to reduce homelessness. Less than 0.1% est8mates ChatGPT.
The U.S. faces a far more visible homelessness crisis, particularly in all major cities: 0.2% (1 in 500 people) as per ChatGPT.
2. Low Unemployment: China generally reports very low unemployment rates, partly due to its vast state-controlled economy. The U.S. also has fluctuating unemployment rates but faces important challenges in certain sectors.
3. Security: China is known for its strict security measures and surveillance, which contribute to a solid sense of safety. The U.S. balances security with civil liberties, which can sometimes lead to differences in perceived safety.
4. Liberties: While Chinese citizens enjoy many freedoms, the government imposes stricter controls on media, speech, and political activities compared to the U.S.
5. Ethical and Moral Values: China's NON RELIGIOUS, Confucian values emphasize social harmony and collective well-being. The U.S., particularly its Government, basically has lost its Ethical and Moral Values and instead the Society values individual freedoms and insatiable greed, which can lead to different societal dynamics and inequalities.
6. Infrastructure: China has invested heavily in infrastructure, leading to advanced transportation systems and modern cities. The U.S. has older, crumbling infrastructure
7. Cost of Living: Generally, the cost of living in China is much lower, but this can vary significantly between regions. The U.S. has a much higher cost of living (7 to 10 times), especially in major metropolitan areas.
8. Education and Healthcare: China provides FREE or very low-cost education and healthcare, whereas the U.S. faces tremendous challenges with accessibility and affordability in these sectors.
9. Technical Innovation: China has rapidly advanced in many areas like technology and renewable energy, surpassing the U.S. in several fields.
10. Non-Interference: China advocates for non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, while the U.S. has a long, extense and black history of involvement in international conflicts, wars and promoting its democratic ideals.
11. Military Presence: China's military presence abroad is limited to ONE military base in Djibouti compared to the U.S., which maintains 800+ bases worldwide as part of its global dominance strategy.
12. Democracy: Chinese leaders are chosen only on meritocracy based on their long careers as excellent and honest Public Administrators. Only the best of the best CAN become leaders. In the US, money and Israel interests are the key to choose their political leaders, even if mediocre, in theory "chosen by the people", not true, as proven with Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris.
Beautiful. Your Confucian Constitution would help bring the whole world into greater peace and harmony even if only America, Britain and the EU were each to adopt it—and actually apply and implement it!