May state legislative applications limit an Article V convention? Subject, yes; specific language, probably not
- September 12, 2013
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Did Congress Approve the Constitution? A Member’s Letter Says “Yes”0
- November 28, 2016
Some people argue the Constitution was adopted illegally. They assert that the Confederation Congress needed to approve the document, but never did. But principles of law tell us that they are wrong. So does a rarely-mentioned letter from a member of the Confederation Congress. It is true that most (not all) of the resolutions by
READ MOREThis Resolution Suggests Congress Did Agree to a Broad Constitutional Convention0
- October 27, 2016
On April 23, 1787, the Confederation Congress extended the post office franking privilege to all commissioners about to attend the Constitutional Convention. In other words, Congress gave to convention delegates the same privilege to send and receive free mail its own members enjoyed. Why is that important? Because it tends to show that Congress accepted
READ MOREChanged Conditions May Justify Term Limits0
- October 18, 2016
This is the full version of an op-ed first appearing in the Detroit Daily News. Advocates for term limits want to amend the Constitution to add them. Their most common argument is that restricting how long an elected official may serve will curb special interest influence and other federal abuse. The Articles of Confederation, the document
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What 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 MOREWhat Connecticut’s Authorizing Documents Tell Us About the Constitutional Convention—and About Modern Misinterpretations0
- October 10, 2016
On May 11, 1787, the Samuel Huntington, the governor of Connecticut, addressed his state legislature about the pending Constitutional Convention. Shortly thereafter the legislature adopted a law governing Connecticut’s participation in the gathering—the eleventh state to do so. (Only Maryland acted later.) The governor’s remarks, and the ensuing legislative resolution, illustrate the following: * The
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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