We usually initiate Constitutional Amendments when changes in society or technology prompt. Moving the inauguration from March, because it took that long for news and people to travel in the 18th century, to January in the age of radio, rail and automobiles made sense.
We need a “Guardrails of Democracy” Amendment to make sure a Trump never happens again, or if it does, the person doing it doesn’t just blunder into it. The Amendment would need bi-partisan support (I believe it would) and would need to be narrowly tailored.
Provisions:
Inauguration moved to first Tuesday in January.
In the 1930s, Jan 20th was just about as fast as a transition could happen. Not anymore. With the ability to fly from anywhere in the country to DC, video calling and of course the Internet, you don’t have to be anywhere near DC to begin discussions and planning to build a White House team. Given the high stakes and the speed at which information travels, it seems like the wait between election day and Jan 20th gives way too much time for mischief or lame duck stalling at a time of need.
George W Bush famously allowed Obama to begin addressing the economic meltdown soon after his election, and worked to defer decisions. There should be no reason we have to suffer 70+ days of Trump.
But wait…those elections have to have time to be certified and recounted. The counting will take as long as you allow it (reasonably). Even in this climate it appears every state will certify by Dec 1st. Why not have electors meet the next week, Congress meet Jan 2nd and the President Inaugurated after? If the new Congress needs to be seated Dec 15th to organize, so be it. But it would cut down on the lame duck period.
Requirement to reveal past 10 years of tax returns.
Very simply, this should prevent the worst con men from wanting to run for office. This should have bi-partisan support.
Requirement to specifically divest fully from businesses.
The Jimmy Carter model, where he sold his family’s peanut farm, should be what happens. No President should have any interest in another business they are running. Period.
Clarification of Emoluments clause.
Specifically, spelling out more clearly (though I’m not sure how) that the President should have no financial gain from any other income source while serving as President, or promised gain after he leaves office (meaning a sitting President can’t sign a book deal too).
Requirement for the Senate to vote on all Presidential nominations.
The President should get at least an up or down vote for all nominations.
Establishment of Independent Dept. of Justice
The Dept. of Justice should be an Independent Agency, with the Attorney General chosen by a select committee overseen by the SCOTUS.
Clarification that yes, indeed, electors are chosen by a vote of the people in each state.
Right now, I guess, its not clear enough. There should be no wiggle room.
There are all sorts of things you could put in there our side would want — end gerrymandering, etc. But I believe a lot of Republicans would appreciate all of the above so as to not suffer another Trump. Oh, and this has the bonus of probably preventing Trump or any of his spawn from running again.