14 Jul What is the Convention of States?
The Convention of States (COS) is a grassroots organization that is utilizing Article V of the Constitution to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. With over five million volunteers in all 50 states, COS proponents know that holding such a convention is the only legal, constitutional means of effecting change in the federal government.
Each state that approves the resolution to call a Convention of States must agree to the same general topics. The three potential amendments covered by the resolution – whether already approved or pending – are as follows:
1. Term limits for Congress and federal bureaucrats
2. Lowering the federal deficit/balancing the budget
3. Reducing the size and scope of the federal government
Calling a Convention of States
To call a Convention of States, two-thirds of all states, or 34 states, must approve these topics and pass the resolution in both chambers of their state legislatures. At present, 19 states have approved the resolution and another 26 states have passed the resolution in one of their state’s legislative chambers. Resolutions have been introduced in 49 states.
If a convention is called, any amendments resulting would have to be approved by three-fourths, or 38,of the states.
This is not a partisan issue; the problem of federal overreach adversely affects all Americans. In fact, 80% of all US citizens favor term limits.
A balanced budget amendment would force the federal government to live within its means, rather than constantly running up large deficits and passing on the burden of debt – currently in excess of $31 trillion – to future generations.
Limited federal overreach could be accomplished by ensuring the federal government adheres to only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution and all other powers are returned to the states and the people (see the 10th Amendment). The 1787 Constitutional Convention was almost adjourned when George Mason proposed adding the second way to amend the document spelled out in Article V. His concern was the possibility that one day the federal government might become too powerful and he wanted a way to return power to the states and the people.
Why would someone oppose a Convention of States?
Those opposed to holding a Convention of States believe that it would be too risky to open up the Constitution to the possibility of amendment. Critics argue that a convention could lead to unintended consequences, such as the adoption of amendments that would undermine individual rights and liberties or that would further empower the federal government. With ratification of any constitutional amendment requiring 38 states, it is highly unlikely that these fears would ever be realized.
The Goal of a Convention of States
A Convention of States may be called to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution with the goal of reining in the power of the federal government and returning it to the states and the people. It’s a legal and constitutional path for citizens – through their state legislatures – to effect meaningful changes to ever-increasing national debt and nearly complete encroachment on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
On August 2-4, 2023, representatives from all 50 states will be meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia to craft, discuss, and vote on proposed amendments on the three topics outlined above.
