Magnifisyncopathological

No adult American alive on January 20, 1961, will ever forget the stirring words of President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." The nation's young leader thus captured the spirit of a new generation. Today a hardened and cynical generation that has endured Vietnam, Watergate, 9/11, and other soul-depressing events since JFK's assassination still accepts the promise of personal initiative, but shared sacrifice has become a lesser-known concept for many. We have it within our power to change this, and to go back to the future. A new Constitution can fuel America's transformation into a society that once again fulfills Kennedy's vision.

The best means available would be a constitutional requirement that all able-bodied Americans devote at least two years of their lives to the service of their nation. The charge must be broad, and the civilian and military options must be many, to accommodate the varied talents of the population and the diverse dictates of conscience. But the principle must be immutable: Enjoying the benefits of living in a great democracy is not a God-given right. In exchange for the privileges of American citizenship, every individual has obligations to meet, promises to their fellow citizens and posterity to keep.

Universal National Service (UNS) would be a kind of Bill of Responsibilities, a useful complement to the Bill of Rights. A simple but powerful constitutional clause would decree that "all citizens of the United States, who are of sound mind and body, shall be required to give two years of service to their country, in a manner prescribed by law."

-Larry J Sabato

...a requirement that every able-bodied person between the ages of 18 and 26 give two years to Universal National Service (UNS)...