What a new N.C. constitution could look like
Elect fewer statewide officials, move elections under the Secretary of State, and make redistricting sane — it’s time to rethink everything.
North Carolina’s most underrated political problem is an outdated, dysfunctional state constitution. I just made that case in the N&O/Charlotte Observer. Read it here: North Carolina’s real constitutional crisis is the constitution itself
Today, I want to take the next step: What should a new constitution actually include?
Below are a few of the principles and proposals I believe would create a stronger, clearer, and more functional government for North Carolina — not just for today’s fights, but for decades to come.
Streamline the executive branch
Right now, North Carolina doesn’t have a functional executive branch. It has a loose federation of independently elected officials, each pulling in their own direction.
The constitution says that “the executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor” — but then gives the office only a tiny fraction of it. It’s no wonder every new administration ends up in a turf war with the General Assembly.
The first order of business is fixing tha…