Constitution

Revised 2007 – Adopted at General Membership Meeting August 31, 2007 to go into effect immediately. Amended September 9, 2009. Amended, adopted, and approved by a vote of the membership, June 1, 2021. Effective Immediately.

AMENDED AND RESTATED CONSTITUTION (ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION)

FOR CAUCUS FOR A NEW POLITICAL SCIENCE

The undersigned, being an authorized officer of the unincorporated nonprofit association named herein, after receiving the approval of a majority of the members of said association to amend and restate the Constitution of said association as set forth herein, states as follows:

I. NAME

The name of this unincorporated nonprofit association is “Caucus For A New Political Science,” hereafter referred to as the “Association” or “Caucus.”

II. FORMATION

A. The Caucus is hereby established as a District of Columbia unincorporated nonprofit association pursuant to the District of Columbia Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act of 2010 (the “Act”).

B. The amended and restated Constitution, hereafter referred to as the “Articles of Association,” 1) sets forth the agreement of the members of the Association for the common, nonprofit purposes set forth herein; 2) shall serve as the written governing principles of the Association; and 3) shall govern the purposes and operations of the Association and the rights and obligation of its members and the Coordinating Council acting as the managers of the Association.

III. PURPOSES

A. The Caucus is organized and shall operate exclusively for such charitable and educational purposes and activities as permitted by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law) (“Code”) and as enumerated in Treasury Regulation §1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(2) (or successor regulation, as the same may be amended from time to time), including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as Code section 501(c)(3) organizations.

B. Specifically, the Caucus is an association of critical scholars committed to making the study of political science relevant to building a more democratic and egalitarian economic, social, and political order. As an educational organization, it offers a forum for diverse positions within the framework of this struggle. At the same time, it recognizes that political study and criticism, if it is to be effective, must ultimately transcend the barriers of professionalism and become a function of the community as a whole. Accordingly, the Caucus will seek access to general, as well as specialized audiences, and it will strive to regulate its affairs in a manner consistent with its commitment to maximizing well-informed political participation.

C. The Caucus shall have and exercise all rights and powers conferred on unincorporated associations generally under the Act provided, however, the Association remains organized and operated exclusively as a Code section 501(c)(3) organization. The Association is not empowered to engage in any activity that is not in furtherance of its purposes as set forth herein.

D. This Association shall not, as a substantial part of its activities, carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, nor shall it participate or intervene (by publication or distribution of any statements or otherwise) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

E. No part of the net earnings, properties, or assets of this Association shall inure to the benefit of any private person or individual, or any member, officer, or member of the Coordinating Council, on dissolution or otherwise. On liquidation or dissolution, all assets of this Association, remaining after payment or provision for all debts and obligations, shall be distributed and paid over to such fund, foundation, corporation or other entity organized and operated for charitable or educational purposes as the Coordinating Council shall determine and as shall at the time qualify as a tax-exempt Code section 501(c)(3) organization.

F. For the purpose of carrying out its objects and purposes, the Association may acquire, receive, and hold in its own name, by purchase, gift, grant, or bequest, any real or personal property, and may transfer, sell, mortgage, convey, lease, or otherwise use the same, subject to and in accordance with these Articles of Association consistent with the charitable and educational purposes for which the Association is formed.

IV. MEMBERSHIP

A. Anyone who agrees with the aims of the Caucus is eligible for membership:

      1. Membership becomes effective upon receipt of annual dues. Membership shall be for one year beginning September 1. Dues paid after July 1 shall count for the following academic year. Members of the APSA Organized Section (New Political Science) will become Caucus members automatically and without payment of additional dues.

      2. Membership dues shall be structured progressively in accordance with an individual’s ability to pay.

      3. The rates for membership dues shall be determined by Resolution of the Caucus.

B. The Caucus may authorize non-membership subscriptions to its publications to individuals, groups, or organizations, by a majority vote of the Coordinating Council.

V. ORGANIZATION

The policy-making bodies of the Caucus shall be the Coordinating Council and General Membership. 

VI. OFFICERS

The officers of the Caucus, and their functions, shall be as follows:

A. Chair. The duties of the Chair shall be:

      1. to act as the official representative of the Caucus in its relations with all other organizations, associations, and the general public, including the authority to sign binding contracts and memoranda of agreement, subject to review and approval by the Coordinating Council, except in matters dealing with official publications, which are subject to review and approval by the Publications Executive Committee;
      2. to preside over all meetings of the Coordinating Council, Publications Executive Committee, and general membership meetings;
      3. to oversee and review the work of special committees, task forces, and publications;
      4. to report to the general membership at the annual meeting.

B. Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator serves as coordinator of all Caucus programs and conferences.

C. Secretary. The duties of the Secretary shall be:

      1. to take and keep the minutes of all Coordinating Council meetings, and to distribute said minutes to its members no less than two weeks before the next Coordinating Council meeting;
      2. to take and keep the minutes of all Publications Executive Committee meetings, and to distribute said minutes to its members no less than two weeks before the next Publications Executive Committee meeting;
      3. to take and keep the minutes of all Book Series Executive Committee meetings, and to distribute said minutes to its members no less than two weeks before the next Book Series Executive Committee meeting;
      4. to take and keep the minutes of all general membership meetings, and to distribute said minutes no less than two weeks before the next general membership meeting;
      5. to keep a separate record of all Caucus Resolutions;
      6. to keep an up-to-date list of members as provided by the Membership Director;
      7. to keep a list of the members and to keep the final records of all appointed Task Forces and Special Committees;
      8. to keep a record of the beginning and end dates of the terms of office for all officers, editors, associate editors, task force and special committee members, and the Publications Executive Committee;
      9. to maintain an official and up-to-date schedule of all required nominations, elections, and meetings pending in the next twelve months,

D. Treasurer. The duties of the Treasurer shall be:

      1. to keep the financial records of the Caucus;
      2. to manage all Caucus accounts, including monies received from membership dues and all monies received from the publication of the official journal and official book series,
      3. to publish a financial report to the membership at least once each year.

E. Election of Officers.

    1. The Chair, the Secretary, and the Treasurer shall be elected to two year terms on alternate years at the annual general membership meeting under the following procedures:

a. The Coordinating Council shall propose a list of one or more nominees for each position, which shall be distributed to the membership at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting of the general membership. Additional nominations may be submitted to the Secretary by mail or made from the floor of the annual meeting.

b. If there is more than one candidate for a position, the election will be made by the annual meeting providing that the winning candidate receives at least 2/3 of the votes cast, if there are two candidates. If there are more than two candidates, and the winning candidate has at least 2/3 of the votes cast, he or she shall be elected. If no one has at least 2/3 of the votes, there shall be a run off ballot between the top two candidates. If the winning candidate in any two- person balloting does not have at least 2/3 of the votes cast, the election will be decided by mail ballot, including electronic mail ballot, of the entire membership. Each candidate shall be given an opportunity to make a statement to the membership in writing prior to the election.

c. Mail balloting and electronic mail balloting shall be open for at least 30 days and shall be carried out by an Election Board chaired by the outgoing or immediate past Chair and composed of the incumbent Caucus officers and the candidates or their representatives. The Coordinating Council may provide that the election be conducted, or reviewed, by an outside impartial agent who will act under the direction of the Election Board.

    1. The Program Coordinator shall be elected for a one-year term at the annual meeting of the general membership and by the same procedure used to elect the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

    2. Should a vacancy occur in any office, or in any other position on the Coordinating Council, the position shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by a majority vote of the Coordinating Council. The Chair may make an interim appointment until the Coordinating Council is able to conduct an election to fill the position. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Program Coordinator will ex-officio become the interim Chair until the Coordinating Council is able to conduct an election to fill the position.

    3. An incumbent officer or Coordinating Council member may be removed by either of the following procedures:

a. two-thirds vote of the Coordinating Council, following submission of a recall petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the general membership.

b. a majority vote of the annual general membership meeting, following submission of a recall petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the general membership.

VII. COORDINATING COUNCIL

A. The Coordinating Council shall be composed of:

      1. the Chair;
      2. the Secretary;
      3. the Treasurer;
      4. the incumbent Program Coordinator;
      5. the in-coming Program Coordinator; and
      6. the Chairs of all appointed Task Forces.

B. The Coordinating Council shall, within guidelines established by Caucus Resolutions, and subject to review by Caucus Resolution, carry out regular and routine Caucus business, while discussing major issues with the general membership.

C. Members of the Coordinating Council shall serve for two years, beginning with their election, and may be re-elected or reappointed. However, if a new person has not been chosen to fill the vacancy, the incumbent member of the Coordinating Council member shall remain in the office is filled by the regular election or appointive process.

VIII. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

A. Annual Meeting. The Caucus shall hold an annual general membership meeting in conjunction with the national meeting of the American Political Science Association, unless some other time is determined by Caucus Resolution:

    1. Any member of the Caucus may speak and vote at general membership meetings.

    2. The time and place of general membership meetings shall be determined by majority vote of the Coordinating Council, unless otherwise determined by Caucus Resolution. Publication of the time and date of the annual general membership meeting in the preliminary program of the American Political Science Association annual meeting shall be deemed sufficient notification of the general membership.

B. Caucus Resolutions. Caucus Resolutions shall deal with major issues of the Caucus.

    1. A Caucus Resolution may be initiated by:

a. a majority vote of the Coordinating Council;

b. a vote by ten percent (10%) of those attending the annual general membership meeting;

c. a written petition signed by ten percent (10%) of Caucus general membership.

d. If the proposal indicates the method for considering the Resolution, that form must be used, unless any of the initiating groups request different methods having higher priority, as defined in Article VIII.B.2, where the method having highest priority shall be used in approving or rejecting the Resolution.

2. A Caucus Resolution may be passed by any of the following methods, which are listed in ascending order of priority in case of a conflict in Resolutions:

a. by a majority vote of the Coordinating Council and approval by a majority of the annual general membership meeting;

b. by majority vote of the general membership conducted by mail or email ballot.

C. Candidate Slates in Other Associations. If the Caucus decides to run or sponsor a slate of candidates in any other association, the candidate or slate of candidates shall be chosen by the method in Article VIII.B. for adopting Resolutions.

IX. PUBLICATIONS

A. Journal. The Caucus may sponsor an official scholarly journal for the purpose of making the study of politics relevant to the struggle for a better world and, otherwise, to advance the Caucus’s charitable and educational purposes set forth herein.

B. Book Series. The Caucus may sponsor an official book series.

C. Publications Executive Committee. The Publications Executive Committee shall be responsible for the general policy and oversight of the official journal and book series, within guidelines established by Caucus Resolutions, and subject to review by Caucus Resolution. The members of the Publications Executive Committee shall be:

      1. Chair, ex-officio, who shall chair the Publications Executive Committee and preside at its meetings;
      2. Secretary, ex-officio;
      3. Treasurer, ex-officio;
      4. two members of the Caucus at-large, to be elected at the general membership meeting, and to serve a two-year term, but with no individual eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms;
      5. the Journal Editor, ex-officio;
      6. the Journal Book Review Editor, ex-officio;
      7. the Book Series Editor, ex officio;
      8. the Associate Editors of the official journal and book series, ex-officio; and
      9. two members of the journal’s Editorial Board to be elected by the Publications Executive Committee, and to serve a two-year term, but with no individual eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms,

D. Journal Editor. The journal shall be managed on a day-to-day basis by an Editor, who shall serve for a three-year term, provided that no individual may serve more than two three-year terms. The Journal Editor shall be selected in the following manner:

    1. Nominations for Journal Editor shall be made to the Chair no later than March 1st of the year that the current Editor’s term expires. Any member of the Caucus may nominate an individual, including self-nominations, to the Chair. If no nominations are received for Editor, the Chair may actively solicit nominations after between March 1 and April 30.

    2. The Chair shall contact all nominees to determine whether they accept the nomination and, if so, to obtain a statement of their qualifications for the position. The statement of qualifications for individuals nominated to become the Editor shall include, at a minimum, a curriculum vita, copies of publications, letters of support from Caucus members, letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s ability to perform the duties of the Editor, representative samples of scholarly publications, and a statement of the nominee’s philosophy or intent as Editor. It is recommended that the nominee describe the level of institutional support that will be provided to the nominee for Journal Editor.

    3. The Chair shall forward all nominations and statements of qualifications to all members of the Publications Executive Committee no later than May 30 after the close of nominations.

    4. The Chair shall also inform members of the journal’s Editorial Board, no later than June 1 prior to the expiration of the Editor’s term, of nominees’ names for purposes of soliciting their written opinions about the nominees, which shall also be distributed to all members of the Publications Executive Committee.

    5. The Publications Executive Committee shall select an individual to be Journal Editor of the journal by majority vote based on its assessment of the following criteria:

(i)  a commitment to progressive politics and the Caucus;

(ii)  strength of support from members of the Caucus;

(iii) ability to perform the duties of the Editor; and

(iv) the commitment of a nominee’s institution to provide support to the Editor.

    1. If the incumbent Editor prefers to be considered for a second term, the Editor shall notify the Chair no later than March 1 of the year that the incumbent Editor’s term expires. The Editor’s request shall be considered, based upon the individual’s performance as Editor.

    2. In exceptional or emergency cases, and only by a two-thirds vote (2/3) vote of the Publications Executive Committee, an incumbent Editor whose second term has expired may be asked to continue in that position on a year-by-year basis.

    3. The Publications Executive Committee shall select an Editor at its regular scheduled annual business meeting. If any member of the Publications Executive Committee requests a secret ballot, then the selection will proceed by means of secret ballot. If an emergency prevents any member of the Publications Executive Committee from attending the annual business meeting, they will be allowed to cast a proxy ballot for Journal Editor by contacting the Chair.

    4. The duties of the Journal Editor shall be:

a. to receive and solicit manuscripts of high academic quality for publication in the journal;

b. to insure that manuscript submissions and publications reflect the mission of the Caucus and the diversity of views held by members of the Caucus;

c. to maintain a list of manuscript reviewers and to insure that submitted manuscripts are anonymously reviewed by individuals with appropriate expertise;       

d. to manage the publication of the journal and insure its publication on a regular and timely basis;

e. to provide the journal’s publisher with an edited clean copy of each issue in a timely manner, and to work cooperatively with the publisher on all matters necessary to insures its publication;

f. to submit a written annual report to the Publications Executive Committee at its annual business meeting.

E. Book Series Editor. The official book series shall be managed on a day-to-day basis by an Editor, who shall serve for a three-year term, provided that no individual may serve more than two three-year terms. The Book Series Editor shall be selected in the following manner:

    1. Nominations for Book Series Editor shall be made to the Chair no later than March 1st of the year that the current Editor’s term expires. Any member of the Caucus may nominate an individual, including self-nominations, to the Chair. If no nominations are received for Editor, the Chair may actively solicit nominations after between March 1 and April 30.

    2. The Chair shall contact all nominees to determine whether they accept the nomination and, if so, to obtain a statement of their qualifications for the position. The statement of qualifications for individuals nominated to become the Book Series Editor shall include, at a minimum, a curriculum vita, copies of publications, letters of support from Caucus members, letters of support from individual’s familiar with the individual’s ability to perform the duties of the Book Series Editor, a representative sample of scholarly publications, a statement of the nominee’s philosophy or intent as Book Series Editor, and a letter from the individual’s chair, dean, provost, or other academic administrator stating the level of institutional support that will be provided to the nominee for Book Series Editor.

    3. The Chair shall forward all nominations and statements of qualifications to all members of the Publications Executive Committee no later than May 15 after the close of nominations.

    4. The Publications Executive Committee shall select an individual to be Book Series Editor by majority vote based on its assessment of the following criteria:

(i)  a commitment to progressive politics and the Caucus,

(ii)  strength of support from members of the Caucus,

(iii) ability to perform the duties of the Book Series Editor, and

(iv) the commitment of a nominee’s institution to provide support to the Book Series Editor.

    1. If the incumbent Editor prefers to be considered for a second term, the Editor shall notify the Chair no later than May 30 of the year that the incumbent Editor’s term expires. The Editor’s request shall be considered, based upon the individual’s performance as Editor.

    2. In exceptional or emergency cases, and only by a two-thirds vote (2/3) vote of the Publications Executive Committee, an incumbent Book Series Editor whose second term has expired may be asked to continue in that position on a year-by-year basis.

    3. The Publications Executive Committee shall select an Editor at its regularly scheduled annual business meeting. If any member of the Publications Executive Committee requests a secret ballot, then the selection will proceed by means of secret ballot. If an emergency prevents any member of the Publications Executive Committee from attending the annual business meeting, they will be allowed to cast a proxy ballot for the Book Series Editor by contacting the Chair.

    4. The duties of the Book Series Editor shall be:

a. to receive and solicit book manuscripts and proposals for book manuscripts of high academic quality for publication in the official book series;

b. to insure that book manuscript submissions and publications reflect the mission of the Caucus and the diversity of views held by members of the Caucus,

c. to maintain a list of manuscript reviewers and to insure that submitted manuscripts are anonymously reviewed by individuals with appropriate expertise,

d. to manage the publication of the book series and insure the publication of new books on a regular and timely basis,

e. to provide the book series’ publisher with edited clean copies of each book manuscript in a timely manner, and to work cooperatively with the publisher on all matters necessary to insure the success of the book series,

f. to submit a written annual report on the book series to the Publications Executive Committee at its annual business meeting and to consult with the Publications Executive Committee on matters of major significance to the book series.

F. Editorial Board. The official journal shall have an Editorial Board, which shall advise the Journal Editor:

      1. The Journal Editor shall nominate individuals for membership on the Editorial Board with confirmation requiring a majority vote of the Publications Executive Committee,

      2. Members of the Editorial Board shall serve indefinite terms, but may be removed from the Editorial Board by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Publications Executive Committee.

G. Associate Editors. The official journal and the official book series shall each have at least two Associate Editors, who shall assist the Editors in their duties as directed by the Editors:

    1. The Journal Editor shall nominate individuals to serve as Associate Editors of the journal with confirmation requiring a majority vote of the Publications Executive Committee.
    2. The Book Series Editor shall nominate individuals to serve as Associate Editors of the book series with confirmation requiring a majority vote of the Publications Executive Committee.
    3. All Associate Editors shall serve a three-year term starting on the date of their approval by the Publications Executive Committee.

  2. X. TASK FORCES AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
    A. Task Forces and Special Committees of the Caucus may be established by majority vote of the Coordinating Council or by Caucus Resolution:

      1. Every Task Force or Special Committee shall be given a specific charge or mandate by the originating body.
      2. The charge or mandate of any Task Force or Special Committee may be altered or revoked by Caucus Resolution at any time.


    B. Coordinators and members of Task Forces and Special Committees shall be appointed by the Chair, with the advice and consent of the Coordinating Council.

    C. Should a vacancy occur on any Task Force or Special Committee, the Coordinator of that Task Force or Special Committee may appoint a replacement, subject to the approval of the Coordinating Council. Vacancies in the position of Coordinator of a Task Force or Special Committee shall be filled as described in Article VIII.B.

    D. The Chair may appoint ad hoc and temporary Special Committees to investigate and report on matters of interest to the Caucus.

    XI. DISSOLUTION

    Dissolution of the Caucus shall occur in the manner provided for the initiation and passage of Caucus resolutions as set forth in Article VIII B.

    XII. AMENDMENTS

    A. A proposal to amend the Articles of Association may be made using any of the methods for proposing a Caucus Resolution.

    B. A proposed amendment to the Articles of Association must be ratified by a majority of the general membership by mail or email ballot.

    The foregoing Amended and Restated Constitution (Articles of Association) (including each new amendment set forth herein) which amends, restates and supersedes the original Constitution, was duly adopted and approved by the members of the Association.

    Date: June 1, 2021

    Nancy Love, Chair