May state legislative applications limit an Article V convention? Subject, yes; specific language, probably not
- September 12, 2013
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Jon Caldara Interviews Rob Natelson on Article V and Anti-Reform Suppression Efforts0
- March 21, 2017
The 1889 St. Louis Convention of States0
- February 11, 2017
A frequent argument against a convention for proposing constitutional amendments is that there are “no precedents” for determining the rules and procedures for such a gathering, other than the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Although opponents persist in this claim, it has long been debunked: The Constitutional Convention was far from the only meeting of its
READ MOREState Lawmakers! Don’t Put Extraneous Matter in Your Article V Application0
- January 20, 2017
by Robert G. Natelson State lawmakers sponsoring an Article V convention application often find that other lawmakers want to add extraneous matter to the application. This may include conditions beyond the mere subject-matter, instructions to commissioners, specific amendment language, convention rules, and pronouncements of various kinds. Don’t agree! Adding such material is both unprofessional and
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Constitutional Convention: John Jay Letter Shows Its Power Came from State Legislatures, not Congress0
- January 14, 2017
A persistent constitutional myth has it that (1) Congress called the Constitutional Convention under the Articles of Confederation, (2) the convention drew its power from Congress, and (3) the convention exceeded its power when it recommended a new Constitution rather than merely propose amendments to the Articles. As readers of this website know, however, the
READ MOREWhat should you remember when drafting a constitutional amendment?0
- October 16, 2016
Last month, Citizens for Self Governance sponsored a simulated convention for proposing amendments in Williamsburg, Virginia. I was an adviser for the project, and just before the initial meeting I spoke to the assembled commissioners. My purpose was to provide them with some last-minute tips on drafting proposed constitutional amendments. Several people have asked me
READ MORECould Congress Control an Amendments Convention? Not According to the Founders!0
- October 5, 2016
As we move closer to holding a “convention for proposing amendments” to restrain federal overreach, naysayers have not been silent. One of their claims is an amendments convention would be fruitless or dangerous because it could be controlled by Congress. The Constitution directs Congress to “call” an amendments convention when two thirds of the state
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