The Constitutional Studies Center combines careful, objective scholarship into the original understanding of the Constitution with advocacy for human freedom under law. It produces books, issue papers, articles, and legal briefs reporting the results of its research. Since 2010, the Center has had enormous influence on constitutional law cases and commentary, but also on policy makers and grass roots activists. For example, the Center’s research findings galvanized the massive and growing “Article V” movement to restore constitutional limits on the federal government.
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Why the Framers Could Suggest Ratification by Only Nine States0
- March 3, 2013
In prior postings such as the one here, I have explained why it is wrong to claim that the commissioners (delegates) to the 1787 Constitutional Convention exceeded their power in recommending that the Articles of Confederation be replaced by a new instrument. Another aspect of the same charge is that the Framers exceed their power
READ MOREHow the Courts have Clarified the Constitution's Amendment Process0
- February 27, 2013
One source of security we have in using the Constitution’s amendment process is that the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have a long history of protecting the integrity of the procedure. Many of those who pontificate on the subject are largely unaware of this jurisprudence. Some have never investigated it. Some think the courts
READ MOREIt's Been Done Before: A Convention of the States to Propose Constitutional Amendments0
- February 21, 2013
In 1861, the states held a dry run for an Article V “convention for proposing amendments.” The event was the Washington Conference Convention or Washington Peace Conference. It was called by the Virginia legislature in January of 1861 in an effort to avert the Civil War. The idea was that the convention would draft and
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A Response to the “Runaway Scenario”0
- February 15, 2013
NOTE: This is an updated version of an essay first published in 2013. For a comprehensive treatment of amendment law, see The Law of Article V: State Initiation of Constitutional Amendments and postings at the Article V Information Center website. Many lawmakers and activists, and most of the public, now favor a constitutional amendment to
READ MORECount of Legislative Applications for a Balanced Budget Amendment0
- February 10, 2013
by Rob Natelson The following states have applications outstanding for a federal convention to propose a balanced budget amendment: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. That’s 19 of the 34 states required. In addition, Illinois has an 1861
READ MORENew Flyer Explains How the States Can Use the Constitutional Amendment Process to Curb the Feds (Article V)0
- February 10, 2013
by Rob Natelson The Founders built various checks and balances into the Constitution. One of the most important was the power of state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments to curb an abusive federal government. The Founders placed the procedure in the Constitution’s Article V. The Founders would be astonished—and chagrined—to learn the process has never
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Contact
Rob Natelson, Senior Fellow, Constitutional Jurisprudence
Email: rob.natelson1@gmail.com
Phone: 303-279-6536, ext 114