Inside Report (5)

Welcome to the Capitol's constitutional smorgasbord. . .

In recent days, a balanced budget amendment has been introduced, as well as the ERA. Ah, but these are the tip of the iceberg! Dozens of proposed amendments deal with abortion, capital punishment, busing, and school prayer. Tax plans also get caught in the amendment rush - one would abolish personal income, estate, and gift taxes. Then there's the push to make English the US's langue officielle. Conspicuous by their absence: civil rights amendments.

For those who worry about an unwieldy document, fret not. Observers say it's unlikely any will pass in Congress. Besides, 'tis a long, hard journey from D.C. through 38 state legislatures.