No one should be too surprised by the Senate’s intention to consider a flag burning amendment again. Such an amendment is popular with constituents, but has little chance of actually becoming part of the Constitution — and Senators know this. They are simply passing the buck.

Recent studies in political science show that Senators and Representatives are likely to vote yea when a flag-burning amendment or statute won’t truly change the constitution, but nay when Constitutional editions are really at stake.

Since any amendment the Senate proposes has to be approved in the House of Representatives as well, expect Senators to pass the buck. They can comfortably pass the amendment, take the credit, then sit back as House members either refuse to act or vote the amendment down. It’s an low-cost way for Senators to claim credit for being “patriotic” in an election year.