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# Article V Information Center

A Project of the Independence Institute

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## Posts

- [Newly-Found Memo Discloses D.C. Establishment Efforts to Block an Article V Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/newly-found-memo-discloses-d-c-establishment-efforts-to-block-an-article-v-convention/) - Samuel L. Fieldman, a lawyer and Article V expert, has unearthed an internal congressional memo from the establishment’s anti-convention campaign during the 1960s, 1970s, and early ’80s. In the memo, a congressional staffer outlines for his boss, a prominent Democratic Senator, how to oppose a convention. We previously have documented how, beginning in the late
- [Article V Table of Cases](https://articlevinfocenter.com/article-v-table-of-cases/) - Following is a table of cases relevant to Article V court cases, as of the end of 2025. Nearly all were decided under Article V or discuss Article V. A few, such as Oldknow v. Wainright and Powell v. McCormick, are included because they laid down rules relevant to Article V: AFL-CIO v. Eu,
- [Idaho considers an amendments convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/idaho-considers-an-amendments-convention/) - Our Founders gave us a precious constitutional right . . . to correct the federal government when it has gone off the rails. It is our privilege and obligation to use itRob Natelson This article was first published at the Mountain State Policy Center website. One reason the federal government has become so dysfunctional—it can’t even balance its own budget—is that a key “check and balance” in the Constitution remains unused. This is the right of the people, through their state legislatures, to propose and adopt corrective constitutional
- [New federal court case confirms that states should join the call for an Amendments Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/new-federal-court-case-confirms-that-states-should-join-the-call-for-an-amendments-convention/) - A version of this article first appeared at the Mountain States Policy Center website. On November 5, a federal district court decided Thompson v. Masterson. The decision may put to rest state legislative objections to calling for a “convention of states” to address the federal government’s dysfunction. To understand why, let’s start with some history:
- [How key framers explained their authority to propose a new Constitution](https://articlevinfocenter.com/how-key-framers-explained-their-authority-to-propose-a-new-constitution/) - A common argument against a convention for proposing amendments is that the 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates were a bunch of lawbreakers who disregarded their trust. From this, the critics deduce that the commissioners at an Article V convention might do so as well. Note that the critics do not claim any of the other 41+
- [List of Additional Founding-era Descriptions of an Article V Convention as a “Convention of States”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/list-of-additional-founding-era-descriptions-of-an-article-v-convention-as-a-convention-of-states/) - During the Founding-era, there was a clear distinction between conventions of the people---which consisted of delegates directly elected by the voters from specific districts---and conventions of the states, which consisted of commissioners (also called "deputies" or "delegates") chosen by state officials to represent states or state legislatures. In conventions of the people, delegates voted individually. There are dozens of authoritative Founding-era and post-Founding-era descriptions of an amendments convention as a "convention of the states."
- [Who Called the Constitutional Convention? Answer: The Commonwealth of Virginia](https://articlevinfocenter.com/who-called-the-constitutional-convention-answer-the-commonwealth-of-virginia/) - This entry, first published on Oct. 7, 2016, was updated on April 14, 2023 and again on October 1, 2025. A “call” to an interstate convention is an invitation for state representatives to meet at a particular time and place to discuss prescribed issues. During the Founding Era, convention calls were issued by the Continental
- [No, a Convention of States Could Not Change the “One State/One Vote” Rule](https://articlevinfocenter.com/no-a-convention-of-states-could-not-change-the-one-state-one-vote-rule/) - Could a convention of states could change the “one state/one vote” rule to one based on population? The short answer is “No.” In at least 42 conventions of states and colonies over 350+years, there is no precedent for such a change. The possibility exists only in the fantasies of convention opponents. Defenders of the federal
- [Busting the Myths About Article V Conventions](https://articlevinfocenter.com/busting-the-myths-about-article-v-conventions/) - This essay first appeared on Oct. 23 in Law & Liberty. Law & Liberty recently featured an excellent exchange between John Grove and Mark Pulliam on state nullification as a way to respond to federal overreach and infringements on liberty. There is, however, an alternative. The Constitution’s Article V permits constitutional amendments through a state-based process of proposal and ratification.
- [List of Conventions of States and Colonies in American History](https://articlevinfocenter.com/list-conventions-states-colonies-american-history/) - Introduction Conventions of states, and before Independence of colonies, have met frequently over the past three centuries. A “Convention for proposing Amendments” held under the Constitution is a gathering of this type. The following list itemizes all known conventions of states or colonies. To qualify as a convention of states (or colonies), the gathering must
- [Answering the "Runaway Scenario": Constitutional Whack-a-Mole](https://articlevinfocenter.com/a-response-to-the-runaway-scenario-2/) - In modern conditions, it is literally impossible for an amendments convention to exceed its authority; the "run away" scenario is designed only to frighten and confuse. by Rob Natelson Introduction Many Americans favor constitutional amendments to correct dysfunctions in the federal government. Because experience shows that Congress is unlikely to propose such amendments, there is
- [Even Constitutional Conventions are Limited](https://articlevinfocenter.com/even-constitutional-conventions-are-limited/) - A common tactic among opponents of an amendments convention is to label it a “constitutional convention,” and then claim that a constitutional convention is inherently unlimited. The fact that courts have repeatedly limited constitutional conventions seems not to have occurred to them. New scholarship by Roman J. Hoyos, a law professor at Southwestern Law School
- [Heritage Foundation Paper Supports a “Convention of the States”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/heritage-foundation-paper-supports-a-convention-of-the-states/) - A version of this essay was first published in the Nov. 12, 2023 Epoch Times. The movement for a national convention of states recently got a boost when a formerly-skeptical national think tank issued a paper in support. The paper is entitled “Reconsidering the Wisdom of an Article V Convention of the States.” It was written A formerly skeptical organization now supports and amendments convention.
- [Supreme Court Confirms Rule that when State Legislatures Act in the Amendment Process, They Do So Independently](https://articlevinfocenter.com/supreme-court-confirms-rule-that-when-state-legislatures-act-in-the-amendment-process-they-do-so-independently/) - Once again, the U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged that when state legislatures undertake functions under Article V of the Constitution, they do so as independent assemblies. Signature by the governor and other lawmaking formalities are not necessary. The latest acknowledgement came in the court's June 27, 2023 decision in Moore v. Harper (pdf). State legislatures' roles
- [The D.C. Circuit’s Convoluted Opinion on the “Equal Rights Amendment”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-d-c-circuits-convoluted-opinion-on-the-equal-rights-amendment/) - by Rob Natelson Advocates of the long-dead Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) have lost an effort to get their amendment "certified" by the Archivist of the United States. On Feb. 28, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a request from two states for a “writ of mandamus” (a kind
- [Scholar Finds that Congress’s Power over Amendments Conventions is Strictly Limited](https://articlevinfocenter.com/scholar-finds-that-congresss-power-over-amendments-conventions-is-strictly-limited/) - A Review by Rob Natelson Before the dramatic findings of scholarship in the early part of this century, American academics produced many articles speculating on how the Article V convention procedure was supposed to work. Some writers---mostly those hostile to the procedure---argued that Congress could and should tightly control it. They supported this conclusion with
- [New Videos Explain the Article V Convention Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/new-videos-explain-the-article-v-convention-process/) - The American Legislative Exchange Council, a trade organization of state legislators, recently created three new videos that explain the Article V convention process for state lawmakers. The include a short statement by the organization's CEO, a statement by Rob Natelson (the moderator of this website), and an interview of Rob by Karla Jones, the organization's
- [Amending the U.S. Constitution: a Basic Guide, by Rob Natelson](https://articlevinfocenter.com/rob-natelson-provides-a-simple-overview/) - Widespread public dissatisfaction with the federal government has sparked interest in recalibrating the system.
- [What is An Amendments Convention? A Quick Intro](https://articlevinfocenter.com/so-what-is-this-amendments-convention-thing-a-quick-intro/) - Are you a journalist or other citizen who needs a quick overview of the Constitution’s Article V “Convention for Proposing Amendments?” Get our issue paper, “Curing Federal Dysfunction by Constitutional Amendment: A Primer.” It’s a vital resource for anyone who wants a quick and accurate overview of the process. It explains what a Convention for Proposing Amendments [...]
- [Failure to Call Amendments Conventions Helps Explain Modern Federal Overreaching](https://articlevinfocenter.com/failure-to-call-amendments-conventions-helps-explain-modern-federal-overreaching/) - This Article is a modified version of one appearing in the American Thinker. If President after President failed to veto bills, would it surprise you if congressional power grew at the expense of the presidency? If the Senate never blocked the President’s appointments, would it surprise you if presidential power expanded at the [...]
- [Convention Rules from the "Assembly of State Legislatures:" Two Cheers Only](https://articlevinfocenter.com/370/) - This posting was updated on Jan. 18, 2023. In June, 2016 the Assembly of State Legislatures (ASL), a planning group of state lawmakers (now apparently defunct), issued suggested rules for an Article V Convention for Proposing Amendments. The rules were a commendable effort. But they also fell short in a number of ways, partly because
- [How the Campaign Against An Amendments Convention Got Started](https://articlevinfocenter.com/campaign-amendments-convention-got-started/) - This column first appeared in The Hill on April 2, 2018. We are witnessing a renewal and quickening of a 50-year old campaign to dissuade Americans from calling a convention for proposing constitutional amendments. Like voter suppression efforts, the campaign uses fear and disinformation to discourage citizens from exercising an important constitutional right. Article V of the Constitution permits the
- [No, the Necessary and Proper Clause Does NOT Empower Congress to Control an Amendments Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/no-the-necessary-and-proper-clause-does-not-empower-congress-to-control-an-amendments-convention/) - A few days ago I heard a presentation by a spokesman for a group that claims to defend the Constitution and revere the Founders. Yet the spokesman trashed the Constitution’s framers for allegedly exceeding their authority and claimed they added a provision that largely rendered another [...]
- [A successful convention of states: The 100th anniversary of the Colorado River Commission](https://articlevinfocenter.com/a-successful-convention-of-states-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-colorado-river-commission/) - by Rob Natelson This year is the centennial anniversary of the Colorado River Commission, the “convention of states” that negotiated the Colorado River Compact. The Colorado River Compact is familiar primarily to those living in the American West. But the Colorado River Commission was a landmark event for all Americans. It was a major triumph
- [The Santa Fe Convention: A 20th Century Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-santa-fe-convention-a-20th-century-convention-of-states/) - Posted Jan. 17, 2014; updated Jun. 5, 2022. For over 300 years, American states (and before Independence, American colonies) have cooperated with each other as equal sovereigns to address common problems. One device for doing so is the formal, diplomatic meeting of state delegations (called “committees”) consisting of delegates (called “commissioners”). Meetings of state commissioners
- [Who invented the anti-convention talking points?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/who-invented-the-anti-convention-talking-points/) - As explained in several posts on this website—here, for example, and here—the principal talking points exploited today by both right-wing and left-wing convention opponents were invented in the 20th century by prominent establishment liberals with close ties to the D.C. "swamp." Those talking points then were disseminated by liberal media, particularly the New York Times
- [What Madison REALLY said about holding a second convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/what-madison-really-said-in-1788-and-1789-about-holding-a-second-convention/) - Opponents of a convention for proposing amendments frequently cite a passage in a 1788 letter written by James Madison to create the impression that Madison opposed the Article V application and convention process. Opponents invariably lift the passage out of context. It is clear to anyone who reads the entire letter, or the rest of
- [Three connected terms: What is a convention? What is a  Convention of the States? What is a Convention for Proposing Amendments?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/three-connected-terms-what-is-a-convention-what-is-a-convention-of-the-states-what-is-a-a-convention-for-proposing-amendments/) - A convention is an officially-designated assembly for a special purpose. A convention of the states is a kind of convention. A convention for proposing amendments is a kind of convention of the states. The broadest term is convention. In constitutional use, a convention is an official meeting or task force called to address assigned
- [Point by point response to one of those anti-convention op-eds](https://articlevinfocenter.com/point-by-point-response-to-one-of-those-anti-convention-op-eds/) - Some of the authors are academics . . . . But they all have two attributes in common: None has ever published independent research on Article V, and none displays any knowledge of recent scholarship on the subject.
- [Two New Conventions of States Discovered!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/two-new-conventions-of-states-discovered/) - They negotiated Rio Grande Water Rights in 1928-29 and in 1937. As readers of this site know, several conventions of affected states have negotiated western water compacts. To be sure, some of these compacts were negotiated in conditions not qualifying as conventions of states. For example, Colorado's and Nebraska’s development of a Platte River Compact
- [Amendment Law in Context](https://articlevinfocenter.com/amendment-law-in-context/) - Author's Note: Amendment law is part of a wider category known as the law of "federal functions." One reason there is so much misunderstanding about the amendments convention process is that federal function law is almost never included in constitutional law courses. That's why you have people claiming, for example that Congress could use the
- [Mainstream Media Disinformation -- The New Case of "The Hill"](https://articlevinfocenter.com/main-stream-media-disinformation-the-new-case-of-the-hill/) - Mainstream media outlets often have a vested interest in favor of the status quo. They have a long history of publishing false and misleading material about the Constitution's Article V amendment process (pdf)---and then refusing to print corrections or allow any response. This keeps citizens ignorant of their constitutional rights under Article V, or at
- [Is it “too late” for an amendments convention?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/is-it-too-late-for-an-amendments-convention/) - After years of saying that the time for an Article V amendments convention is not yet ripe, some purportedly conservative opponents now claim the battle for America is lost and it’s just too late to bother. This is perhaps the stupidest objection yet. They started with the “runaway convention” line. It had no historical or
- [It's Been Done Before: A Convention of the States to Propose Constitutional Amendments](https://articlevinfocenter.com/its-been-done-before-a-convention-of-the-states-to-propose-constitutional-amendments/) - Note: This article was first published in 2013. In 1861, the states held a dry run for an Article V “convention for proposing amendments.” The 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.
- [How a ‘Convention of States’ Really Works](https://articlevinfocenter.com/how-a-convention-of-states-really-works/) - This article was first published by the Epoch Times on February 25, 2021. “Ignorance lies not in the things you don’t know, but in the things you know that ain’t so.” — Will Rogers In an earlier, widely shared, essay I contended that state legislatures should require Congress to call a “convention of the states.” Article V of the Constitution empowers
- [Just published: Complete evidence showing that an amendments convention is a convention of states](https://articlevinfocenter.com/just-published-complete-evidence-showing-that-an-amendments-convention-is-a-convention-of-states/) - To amend the Constitution, approval of an amendment by three fourths of the states (now 38 of 50) is required. But before that, the amendment must first be proposed. The Constitution allows proposal by either (1) two thirds of each house of Congress or (2) a "Convention for proposing Amendments." Congress has had a monopoly
- [New article summarizes the amendment process in context](https://articlevinfocenter.com/new-article-summarizes-the-amendment-process-in-context/) - During the 2020 election controversy a key aspect of our Constitution surfaced that few people—including most attorneys—had ever heard of. This was the little-known field of "federal functions"---responsibilities the Constitution gives directly to persons and groups entirely outside the federal government. The constitutional amendment process contains the most extensive and most-litigated list of federal functions.
- [The solution is a convention of the states](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-solution-is-a-convention-of-the-states/) - By Rob Natelson A version of this essay was first published by the Epoch Times on January 25, 2021. For over 80 years, Americans who love their country have been fighting a defensive political battle to preserve the values and traditions that made our country great. But we have suffered one defeat after another. Incremental
- [Are recent “rescissions” of Article V applications valid?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/are-recent-rescissions-of-article-v-applications-valid/) - Many recent state legislative Article V rescissions suffer from defects the courts call “material mistakes.” A material mistake can void some legal documents. Article V of the Constitution says that if two thirds of state legislatures (34) pass applications requesting a convention for proposing amendments, Congress must call the convention. A rescission is a state legislative resolution
- [The Last Convention of States Held Before Phoenix in 2017: The Upper Colorado River Commission](https://articlevinfocenter.com/last-convention-states-ever-held/) - I recently obtained the records of what may be the last convention of states held before the gathering in Phoenix in 2017. A “convention of states” as the American Founders and subsequent generations understood the term, is a temporary conclave of legislatively-authorized representatives from three or more states. It is both a diplomatic gathering—the representatives
- [The Story of Conventions of States in American History](https://articlevinfocenter.com/convention-states-american-history/) - In this short essay, constitutional historian Rob Natelson thumbnails the three-centuries long history of "conventions of the states." When delegations from the states assemble in Phoenix, Arizona later this year, they will be basking in a long and rich American tradition. As far back as 1677, British colonies in North America sent “commissioners” (delegates) to
- [A Modern Quasi-Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/modern-quasi-convention-states/) - Note: This article was first posted at constitution.i2i.org on March 1, 2014. Many opponents of an Article V convention seem to think that it would be a nearly unique event, for which the “only precedent” would be the 1787 constitutional convention. Some even go so far as to oppose non-Article V gatherings among the states.
- [Newly Rediscovered: The 1889 St. Louis Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/newly-rediscovered-1889-st-louis-convention-states/) - 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 been debunked: The Constitutional Convention was far from the only meeting of its kind.
- [Constitutional Convention: John Jay Letter Shows Its Power Came from State Legislatures, not Congress](https://articlevinfocenter.com/constitutional-convention-john-jay-letter-shows-its-power-came-from-state-legislatures-not-congress/) - 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
- [May state legislative applications limit an Article V convention? Subject, yes; specific language, probably not](https://articlevinfocenter.com/may-state-legislative-applications-limit-an-article-v-convention-subject-yes-specific-language-probably-not/) - Originally posted Sept. 12, 2013; amended and reposted Oct. 20, 2016. Some constitutional scholars believe state applications for a convention for proposing amendments may limit the convention to voting “yes” or “no” on a specifically-worded amendment. A prescribed-wording application, they say, reduces the fear of a “runaway” convention and places the state legislatures in the
- [What should you remember when drafting a constitutional amendment?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/what-should-you-remember-when-drafting-a-constitutional-amendment/) - 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
- [What Connecticut's Authorizing Documents Tell Us About the Constitutional Convention---and About Modern Misinterpretations](https://articlevinfocenter.com/what-connecticuts-authorizing-documents-tell-us-about-the-constitutional-convention-and-about-modern-misinterpretations/) - 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
- [Could Congress Control an Amendments Convention? Not According to the Founders!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/could-congress-control-an-amendments-convention-not-according-to-the-founders/) - 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
- [When We Amend the Constitution, Make Sure We Follow the U.S. Procedure, not the "Confederate States" Procedure](https://articlevinfocenter.com/when-we-amend-the-constitution-make-sure-we-follow-the-u-s-procedure-not-the-confederate-states-procedure/) - People who claim that states may, through state law, dictate the wording of amendments to the interstate “convention for proposing amendments” are not accurately representing the system laid out in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Rather, they are unwittingly advocating a system similar to the one adopted by the defunct “Confederate States of America.”
- [A New Theory Supporting The Use of the Tenth Amendment to Control the Article V Process—and Why the Theory Doesn’t Work](https://articlevinfocenter.com/a-new-theory-supporting-the-use-of-the-tenth-amendment-to-control-the-article-v-process-and-why-the-theory-doesnt-work/) - The state legislative power to issue binding applications for an amendments convention derives either directly from the Constitution (Article V) or from authority retained (“reserved”) by the states under the Tenth Amendment. Which is it? A lot hinges on the question. One thing that does is the legal validity of the “Compact for America” approach. The [...]
- [What is an Amendments Convention “Application?” What is a “Call?”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/what-is-an-amendments-convention-application-what-is-a-call/) - Article V of the Constitution states that “The Congress . . . on Applications of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments.” As I pointed out in my book, The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant, 18th century writers were imbued heavily with Latin language [...]
- [Soros-Funded Groups Attack the Article V Movement](https://articlevinfocenter.com/soros-funded-groups-attack-the-article-v-movement/) - Article V activists have had to deal with the defamatory, and potentially actionable, charge that they are supported by socialist billionaire George Soros. As far as I can determine, however, no one in the movement has been able to identify any pro-Article V Soros money at all. On the contrary, Soros-funded groups have repeatedly assailed Article V [...]
- [Answering Questions About the Voting Rules at a Convention for Proposing Amendments](https://articlevinfocenter.com/answering-questions-about-the-voting-rules-at-a-convention-for-proposing-amendments/) - Note: This column appeared originally at the American Thinker. In a recent post, I examined suggestions that a convention of the states for proposing amendments adopt a supermajority rule for proposing any amendment. Most commonly suggested is that the convention replace the traditional “majority of states decides” standard with a two thirds requirement. I explained that this [...]
- [Trying to Alter the Traditional Amendments Convention Voting Rule Is a Mistake](https://articlevinfocenter.com/trying-to-alter-the-traditional-amendments-convention-voting-rule-is-a-mistake/) - Note: This article first appeared in The American Thinker. Advocates of a federal balanced budget amendment are closing in on the 34 states necessary to require Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments. Other groups, such as the Convention of States project, are working assiduously toward the same goal. If they succeed, it will a [...]
- [How A Famous English Convention Clarifies the Role of a Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/how-a-famous-english-convention-clarifies-the-role-of-a-convention-of-states/) - Note: This article first appeared on the American Thinker website. In the Anglo-American constitutional tradition, a “convention” can mean a contract, but the word is more often applied to an assembly, other than a legislature, convened to address ad hoc political problems. The “Convention for proposing Amendments” authorized by Article V of the Constitution is designed [...]
- [More Evidence That Warren Burger Was Defending Roe v. Wade When He Opposed A Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/more-evidence-that-warren-burger-was-defending-roe-v-wade-when-he-opposed-a-convention-of-states/) - More evidence has turned up that the late Chief Justice Warren Burger was defending his Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade when he wrote three letters opposing the Article V convention process. Burger’s letters frequently are cited as authority by opponents of a “convention of states.” However, in an earlier posting I noted that the [...]
- [Where Chief Justice Burger Likely Got His Anti-Amendment Convention Views](https://articlevinfocenter.com/where-chief-justice-burger-likely-got-his-anti-amendment-convention-views/) - This article originally appeared in the American Thinker. Opponents of the Constitution’s Article V convention method of proposing amendments tout three letters written in the 1980s by former Chief Justice Warren Burger. In those letters, Burger took a very hard line against any convention of states that might bypass Congress and propose corrective constitutional amendments. I’ve previously [...]
- [Article V Opponents Now Peddling Article 23 Years Out of Date](https://articlevinfocenter.com/article-v-opponents-now-peddling-article-23-years-out-of-date/) - The latest tactic in Article V opponents’ game of “Whac-A-Mole”* is the circulation of an article 23 years out of date. The article was published in 1992 and is entitled A New Constitutional Convention? Critical Look at Questions Answered, and Not Answered, by Article Five of the United States Constitution. It was authored by John Eidsmoe. The [...]
- [The Washington Post Picks Up the Flag from the Convention Alarmists](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-washington-post-picks-up-the-flag-from-the-convention-alarmists/) - The past week saw yet another assault on those reformers who seek to cure federal dysfunction by promoting a “Convention for proposing Amendments.” The latest attack took the form of an opinion column that in content offered nothing new. It featured many of the usual errors of commission and omission: The author confused a “Convention for [...]
- [Willful Misrepresentation: Convention Opponents' Persistent Promotion of Clear Falsehoods](https://articlevinfocenter.com/willful-misrepresentation-convention-opponents-persistent-promotion-of-clear-falsehoods/) - One mark of authors who oppose all efforts to use Article V’s application and convention process is their continued repetition of claims that are demonstrably false. Those statements—whether made by those on the Left or Right—are often remarkably similar, reflecting their common origin in a 1960s-70s propaganda campaign.
- [How to reform our dysfunctional federal government](https://articlevinfocenter.com/how-to-reform-our-dysfunctional-federal-government/) - Over the 230 years since our Constitution went into operation, amendments have proved to be powerful instruments of reform.
- [John Paul Stevens’ greatest legacy](https://articlevinfocenter.com/john-paul-stevens-greatest-legacy/) - By clarifying constitutional amendment law, Stevens made it more accessible to citizens who now seek to use it to cure our dysfunctional federal government.
- [Interstate negotiations regularly occur outside conventions also](https://articlevinfocenter.com/interstate-negotiations-regularly-occur-outside-conventions-also/) - Article V authorizes interstate negotiation through a convention, but other forms of interstate negotiation occur very frequently. One form is represented by the long-lived Uniform Law Commission, a standing body of state representatives that drafts and prepares standard statutes for state legislative consideration and adoption. (The best known of these statutes is the Uniform Commercial Code,
- [The First Woman to Serve as President of a Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-first-woman-to-serve-as-president-of-a-convention-of-states/) - The interstate convention held in Phoenix, Arizona in September, 2017 was the first convention of states since 1949, the first national (general) convention of states since 1861, and the first convention of states with female commissioners. It also was the first to elect a woman president. She was (and is) Arizona State Rep. Kelly Townsend,
- [First-Ever Legal Treatise On the Constitution's Amendment Process!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/first-ever-legal-treatise-on-the-constitutions-amendment-process/) - Independence Institute Senior Fellow Rob Natelson has written the first legal treatise covering constitutional amendment law. The work, published by Apis Books, focuses on the law governing how state legislatures can trigger and control a convention for proposing amendments. It is called The Law of Article V: State Initiation of Constitutional Amendments. The new book collects
- [The Founders Pointed to Article V as a Cure for Federal Abuse](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-founders-pointed-to-article-v-as-a-cure-for-federal-abuse/) - I recently came across one of those silly websites in which a writer largely ignorant of the Constitution's background purports to lecture us about it. One of the claims made was that the Founders inserted the Article V amendment process only to remedy defects in the Constitution, not to address abuses of federal power. This
- [Where the Constitution’s Word “Convention” Came From](https://articlevinfocenter.com/constitutions-word-convention-came/) - "The Congress . . . shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid . . . when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof . . . " U.S. Constitution, Article V "The Ratification of the Conventions of nine
- [Comparing an Article V Convention to a National Party Convention is Absurd](https://articlevinfocenter.com/comparing-an-article-v-convention-to-a-national-party-convention-is-absurd/) - This article first appeared at the Independence Institute Constitutional Studies website. Some alarmists are comparing an Article V convention to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. The argument is that an amendments convention can be manipulated or stampeded just as a national party convention can be. The comparison is absurd—so much so that it shows
- [How Should We Draft a Balanced Budget Amendment?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/drafting-balanced-budget-amendment-tougher-might-think/) - The idea of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution (BBA) has been highly popular since the 1970s. Yet Congress has failed to propose a BBA, and the number of states applying for a proposing convention remains stuck below the necessary 34. Meanwhile, the federal debt continues to soar out of control. Among the
- [Journal Now Available from the Latest Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/journal-now-available-from-the-latest-convention-of-states/) - The latest of a long line of conventions of states was held in September 12-15, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. It was called by the Arizona legislature for the purpose of drafting and recommending rules for a future convention for proposing a balanced budget amendment. Its official name was the Balanced Budget Amendment Planning Convention, but
- [Missouri court gets it right on constitutional amendment law](https://articlevinfocenter.com/missouri-court-gets-it-right-on-constitutional-amendment-law/) - This article originally appeared in The Hill on July 17, 2018. Amid all the false claims distributed about the Constitution’s amendment-convention process, it is refreshing and reassuring when a court gets the law exactly right. That’s what happened recently in a Missouri case. In 2017, the Missouri legislature adopted a resolution applying for a convention
- [The Runaway Convention Myth: How Two Leading Newspapers Promoted It](https://articlevinfocenter.com/fake-news-leading-liberal-newspapers-spread-runaway-convention-story/) - Although there were scattered antecedents, "runaway convention" claims and certain associated myths were first distributed widely during the 1960s and 1970s. A previous Article V Information Center study, documented how those stories were publicized by leading opinion-molders in the national liberal establishment. Their goal was to disable the Article V convention process to prevent proposal of
- [The 37th “Convention of States” Discovered!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-37th-convention-of-states-discovered/) - Recently a professor teaching constitutional law at a prestigious university wrote in one of the nation’s top newspapers that we should oppose an Article V convention of states in part because the 1787 Constitutional Convention is “the only precedent we have.” As occurs too often among law professors, he obviously had not researched the subject before
- [Convention Rules for a Convention of the States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/convention-rules-convention-states/) - The convention of the states meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in September will need a set of rules. Moreover, that convention will be engaged in further rule-writing because the Arizona Legislature called it partly to suggest rules for a prospective Article V Convention for Proposing Amendments. I suggest the planners start with the Model Rules provided
- [The Montgomery Convention of 1861](https://articlevinfocenter.com/montgomery-convention-1861/) - In 2015, I obtained the journal for still another convention of states: The convention that met in 1861 in Montgomery, Alabama. Although some have claimed that its proceedings were lost or never recorded, I found them within the first volume of the journals of the Congress of the Confederate States of America. This gathering included only the
- [Responding to Fears of an Amendments Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/responding-fears-amendments-convention/) - This article was first published in the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press Do you think our political system is working great? If your answer is “no,” then you should know our country’s founders inserted in our Constitution a way of solving the problem: The people, acting through their state legislatures, can propose reforms Congress does
- [Yes, the Constitution was adopted legally](https://articlevinfocenter.com/yes-constitution-adopted-legally/) - An old myth has showed up in the media again: the myth that delegates to the 1787 Constitution Convention violated their trust—that they produced a new constitution although empowered only to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation. Fortunately, the claim that the 1787 convention had no authority to propose a new constitution is pure
- [Correcting Hillary Clinton’s Misconceptions About the Article V Movement](https://articlevinfocenter.com/correcting-hillary-clintons-misconceptions-article-v-movement/) - In recent months, Hillary Clinton has made numerous inaccurate statements about those Americans working for what the Constitution calls a “convention for proposing amendments.” Because of Clinton’s national standing, her claims merit a response. Under Article V of the Constitution, when two-thirds of the state legislatures (34) pass matching resolutions called “applications,” Congress must call
- [The Necessary and Proper Clause Grants Congress No Power](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-necessary-and-proper-clause-grants-congress-no-power/) - In a recent post, I pointed out that, despite superficial appearances, the Constitution’s Necessary and Proper Clause—clarifying that Congress has authority to make laws “necessary and proper” to carrying out its other enumerated powers—actually grants Congress no power. The Necessary and Proper Clause is representative of one of four related kinds of provisions found in 18th [...]
- [The Runaway Convention Myth: How Academics and other Opinion Leaders Promoted It](https://articlevinfocenter.com/progressives-promoted-runaway-convention-myth-protect-warren-courts-judicial-activism/) - You may have heard alarms that if we hold a national convention for proposing constitutional amendments the gathering would be an uncontrollable constitutional convention (“con-con”) that could propose anything at all. The claim is called the “runaway scenario.” It has almost no basis in history or law. But it has long frightened Americans away from
- [Phoenix, 2017: The First National Convention of States in 150 Years!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/first-national-convention-states-150-years/) - Americans finally have a real chance to “clean up the mess in Washington.” That’s the implication of the news that the Arizona legislature has called the first national “convention of states” in over 150 years. The conclave will meet in Phoenix on September 12. Its purpose is to plan for a later convention to propose
- [How the States Have Used the "Convention of States" Procedure](https://articlevinfocenter.com/states-used-convention-states/) - This article first appeared Aug. 15, 2017 in The Hill. Representatives of state legislatures from across the nation will converge in Phoenix, Arizona on Sept. 12 to participate in a traditional American institution called a “convention of states.” Conventions of states are valuable. They help ensure Washington, DC doesn’t dictate all decisions on every subject. The purpose
- [Is the "Compact for America" Procedure to Amend the Constitution Constitutional?---An Update](https://articlevinfocenter.com/is-the-compact-for-america-procedure-to-amend-the-constitution-constitutional-an-update/) - Because of widespread interest in the Article V Information Center's report on the legality of the "Compact for America" approach to amending the Constitution, we are reprinting it here. Distilled to its essence, the "Compact" approach is unconstitutional because it seeks to change, through state legislative action (statutes and interstate compacts), the amendment procedure specified in
- [A Founder Gives Us a Lesson on the Constitution's Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/founder-gives-us-lesson-constitutions-amendment-process/) - Among the best tools for interpreting the Constitution are public explanations by its advocates made during the ratification fight. These explanations helped shape how the public understood the Constitution. They reassured the public about what the Constitution did NOT mean. Those statements were at the heart of the ratification deal. One reason the Federalist Papers
- [Scalia Probably Favored An Amendments Convention — But Does It Matter?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/scalia-probably-favored-amendments-convention-matter/) - A majority of state legislatures have voted to trigger the U.S. Constitution’s most important procedure for reforming the federal government. This is the gathering that Article V of the Constitution calls “a convention for proposing amendments”—more popularly known as a “convention of states.” Advocates of a convention of states rely on a supportive statement made by the
- [Jon Caldara Interviews Rob Natelson on Article V and Anti-Amendment Suppression Efforts](https://articlevinfocenter.com/jon-caldara-interviews-rob-natelson-article-v-anti-amendment-suppression-efforts/) - https://youtu.be/QkuyJhiu5Qo
- [State Lawmakers! Don’t Put Extraneous Matter in Your Article V Application](https://articlevinfocenter.com/state-lawmakers-dont-put-extraneous-matter-in-your-article-v-application/) - 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
- [Runaway Convention? Meet the ULC: An Annual Conference of States Started in 1892 That Has Never Run Away](https://articlevinfocenter.com/runaway-convention-meet-the-ulc-an-annual-conference-of-states-started-in-1892-that-has-never-run-away/) - by Kenneth Quinn For decades fearmongers and naysayers have been claiming that the 1787 Constitutional Convention was a “runaway” convention and therefore if an Article V convention for proposing amendments were held today that it would “run away” also. . . . Reality, however, paints a different picture. In fact, the states have been meeting
- [Did Congress Approve the Constitution? A Member's Letter Says "Yes"](https://articlevinfocenter.com/did-congress-approve-the-constitution-a-members-letter-says-yes/) - 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
- [This Resolution Suggests Congress Did Agree to a Broad Constitutional Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/this-resolution-suggests-congress-did-agree-to-a-broad-constitutional-convention/) - 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
- [Changed Conditions May Justify Term Limits](https://articlevinfocenter.com/changed-conditions-may-justify-term-limits/) - 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
- [The Lamp of Experience: Constitutional Amendments Work](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-lamp-of-experience-constitutional-amendments-work/) - (This article originally appeared in the American Thinker.) Opponents of a Convention of States long argued that there was an unacceptable risk a convention might do too much. It now appears they were mistaken. So they increasingly argue that amendments cannot do enough. The “too much” contention was first promulgated in modern times by opponents
- [Simulation Shows What An Amendments Convention Would Be Like](https://articlevinfocenter.com/simulation-shows-what-an-amendments-convention-would-be-like/) - This article was first published by CNSNews. How would an Article V “convention for proposing amendments” work? What would be its agenda? What about its procedures? How would voting be conducted? History and constitutional law provide the answer to most of those questions, but it also helps to have a specific modern example. That is
- [Phyllis Schlafly, RIP](https://articlevinfocenter.com/phyllis-schlafly-rip/) - I extend my sincere condolences for the death of Phyllis Schlafly to her family and followers. Mrs. Schlafly could rise to greatness. Her book, A Choice Not An Echo, became a standard of the conservative movement. Her successful campaign against the poorly drafted “Equal Rights Amendment” was a classic instance of how a single individual
- [Statement by Rob Natelson on the “Compact for America’s” Latest Attack](https://articlevinfocenter.com/statement-by-rob-natelson-on-the-compact-for-americas-latest-attack/) - The authors affiliated with the Compact for America (CFA) would have us believe that states may use their ordinary law-making power to reduce the Constitution’s extended five-step amendment procedure to two steps, and that the courts will meekly acquiesce. Common sense tells us that the courts are unlikely to do so. The conclusion of common
- [Report on the Constitutionality of the "Compact for America" Plan Expanded](https://articlevinfocenter.com/report-on-the-constitutionality-of-the-compact-for-america-plan-expanded/) - The Article V Information Center has updated and expanded Rob Natelson's report on the constitutionality of the "Compact for America" (CFA) plan to amend the Constitution. The original report found that the CFA plan suffered from serious constitutional defects, and that it was unlikely to survive judicial challenge. After it was issued, Rob received a
- [More Founding-Era Evidence that Some State Functions Derive Only From the Constitution (With Some Comments on the Amendment Process)](https://articlevinfocenter.com/more-founding-era-evidence-that-some-state-functions-derive-only-from-the-constitution-with-some-comments-on-the-constitutional-amendment-process/) - In prior posts, I’ve discussed two key elements of constitutional law: 1. The Constitution grants some powers to persons and entities other than the federal government. These persons and entities include state legislatures, state governors, state conventions, the Article V “Convention for proposing Amendments,” Congress as a free-standing assembly, and the Electoral College. 2. When
- [Proposed Rules for An Article V Convention!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/proposed-rules-for-an-article-v-convention/) - If 34 state legislatures forced Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments, what would the rules look like? The Convention of States movement (CoS) wanted an answer to this question. So its president asked me to take the lead in drafting sample rules. Then CoS would present them to state legislators for comment. This
- [New Edition of the Article V Handbook Now Available!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/new-edition-of-the-article-v-handbook-now-available/) - In 2011 a national trade group of state lawmakers asked me to summarize Article V research for state legislators around the country. The group, the non-partisan American Legislative Exchange Council, wanted a practical guide for how state decision makers could begin the task of curing our dysfunctional federal government. The result was the Article V
- [What the 1777 Georgia Constitution Tells Us About the Article V Convention Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/what-the-1777-georgia-constitution-tells-us-about-the-article-v-convention-process/) - When interpreting a legal document, you often can get clues from looking at any predecessors to the document. For example, what did earlier drafts say? What did previous documents that served as models provide? Did the framers of the final version mirror earlier wording, or did they change it? If a phrase in an earlier
- [Newly-Published Ratification Documents Confirm Our Conclusions on the Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/newly-published-ratification-documents-confirm-our-conclusions-on-the-amendment-process/) - The Wisconsin Historical Society publishes successive volumes of the Documentary History of the Constitution of the United States. As its name indicates, the Documentary History is a multi-volume set of books containing documents from the debates over the Constitution’s ratification. The Wisconsin Historical Society published fairly recently two volumes from the debates in Maryland. There
- [The Constitutional Convention Did Not Exceed Its Power and the Constitution is not “Unconstitutional”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-constitutional-convention-did-not-exceed-its-power-and-the-constitution-is-not-unconstitutional/) - Note: This article was first published in 2013. Judging by recent claims in the media such as this one, there is still a lot of life in the old tale (dating back to the Anti-Federalists) that the 1787 federal convention “ran away” and that the Constitution was unconstitutionally adopted. I’ve dealt with both claims in
- [When They Start Throwing Black’s Law Dictionary at You—Duck!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/when-they-start-throwing-blacks-law-dictionary-at-you-duck/) - If you are involved in politics, sooner or later someone will “prove” his point by quoting to you a line from Black’s Law Dictionary, Corpus Juris Secundum, or a similar source. He may tell you that these are “definitive” legal sources, not to be doubted. Whatever he’s selling, don’t buy it. These sources are not definitive, [...]
- [The Constitution’s Article V, Not the 10th Amendment, Gives State Legislatures Their Power in the Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-constitutions-article-v-not-the-10th-amendment-gives-state-legislatures-their-power-in-the-amendment-process/) - Note: An earlier version of this article appeared inThe American Thinker. Some advocates of a convention for proposing amendments are endangering the Article V movement by claiming the states can use the Tenth Amendment to control the convention process. They are doing so even though the judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court, has held that
- [The Impending Convention for Proposing Amendments — Part VI](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-vi/) - Note: This is the last in a series of six articles that originally appeared in the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Parts I – V appear below this post. How the Procedures for a Modern Amendments Convention May Unfold Parts I to V of this series discussed the background and nature
- [The Impending Convention for Proposing Amendments — Part V](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-v/) - Note: This series of six articles originally appeared in the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Parts I II, III, and IV appear below this post, and Part VI will be posted in the near future. How the Convention for Proposing Amendments Became the Subject of Popular Mythology Throughout the century and
- [The Impending Convention for Proposing Amendments — Part IV](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-iv/) - Note: This series of six articles originally appeared in the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Parts I, II, and III appear below this post, and Parts V and VI will be posted in the near future. How the judiciary’s decisions shed light on the federal amendments convention Although there has not
- [The Impending “Convention for Proposing Amendments” — Part III](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-iii/) - Note: This series of six articles originally appeared in the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Parts I and II appear below this post, and Parts IV-VI will be posted in the near future. How the States Have Used Article V and How They Have Continued to Meet in Convention During the
- [The Impending “Convention for Proposing Amendments” — Part II](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-ii/) - Note: This series of six articles originally appeared in the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Part I appears below, and Parts III-VI will be posted in the coming weeks. How Article V was Drafted and Ratified The commissioners who met in Philadelphia to propose a plan to render the American political
- [The Impending “Convention for Proposing Amendments” – Part I](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-impending-convention-for-proposing-amendments-part-i/) - Note: This is Part I of a six-part series I wrote on Amendment Conventions for the Washington Post’s “Volokh Conspiracy,” a leading constitutional law website. Links have not been reproduced, because all supporting information is on this website and can be found with by word search. Part I: How Past Conventions Inspired the Constitution’s “Convention for [...]
- [Rob Explains Why We Need a Convention of States](https://articlevinfocenter.com/rob-explains-why-we-need-a-convention-of-states/)
- [Term Limits for the Supreme Court?](https://articlevinfocenter.com/term-limits-for-the-supreme-court/) - This article first appeared in the American Thinker. Term limits are among the reforms being proposed by advocates of curbing federal government abuses through the Constitution’s Article V amendment process. The idea of congressional term limits has been around for some time. But more recent discussion centers on term limits for the judiciary, especially for the Supreme [...]
- [“Runaway Convention” Nonsense—One More Time](https://articlevinfocenter.com/runaway-convention-nonsense-one-more-time/) - Seldom has a claim so weak been so often advanced than the claim that a convention for proposing amendments would be a “constitutional convention” that could “run away”—that is, disregard its limits and propose amendments outside its sphere of authority. I have little patience with the theory, partly because it is so patently based on ignorance [...]
- [A Convention of States in “Gone With the Wind”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/a-convention-of-states-in-gone-with-the-wind/) - Margaret Mitchell, the author of the hugely popular novel Gone With the Wind, was a newspaper reporter and the child of a family steeped in history. Her father, a prominent Georgia attorney, was one of the leading lights in the state historical society. That her book has a plethora of references to historical events occurring during [...]
- [Wisdom From A Framer on Federalism, Guns, and the Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/wisdom-from-a-framer-on-federalism-guns-and-the-amendment-process/) - This article was first published on CNS News. A newly published speech by one of our Framers offers important clues to the constitutional role of the states, of the right to keep and bear arms, and of the amendment process. Charles Carroll of Carrollton represented Maryland at the Constitutional Convention. After the convention was over, he advocated [...]
- [Although Chief Justice Roberts’ Dissent in the Arizona Legislature Case Cited My Research, I Actually Agree With the Majority!](https://articlevinfocenter.com/although-chief-justice-roberts-dissent-in-the-arizona-legislature-case-cited-my-research-i-actually-agree-with-the-majority/) - In my last post, I discussed the effect on Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Comm’n. In this post, I explain why the Arizona case was decided correctly. Some people may be surprised that I think the holding was correct. I’m politically conservative [...]
- [Mike Stern Rebuts Claim that “Congress would control a convention”](https://articlevinfocenter.com/mike-stern-rebuts-claim-that-congress-would-control-a-convention/) - Article V scholar and former House of Representatives legal counsel Mike Stern has just written a response to the irresponsible claim that Congress could control a Convention for Proposing Amendments, either by specifying how commissioners are allocated or in other ways. His response is worth wide publicity. Here it is: RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 24, 2015 PAPER ENTITLED [...]
- [New U.S. House Rule: A Hopeful Sign for an Amendments Convention](https://articlevinfocenter.com/new-u-s-house-rule-a-hopeful-sign-for-an-amendments-convention/) - As the likelihood of a Convention for Proposing Amendments increases, people are beginning to adjust to the idea. A recent example is adoption of a new rule by the U.S. House of Representatives providing for the recording and public availability of state legislative applications for a convention. The rule change, sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers
- [The Constitution’s Grants To Persons and Entities Outside the U.S. Government](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-constitutions-grants-to-persons-and-entities-outside-the-u-s-government/) - A little known aspect of our Constitution is that it delegates power, not just to the U.S. Government and to its units, but also to persons and entities outside the U.S. Government. In each case, the power to act is derived ultimately from the Constitution. Even when those persons or entities are states or officeholders [...]
- [Principles for Drafting A Balanced Budget Amendment](https://articlevinfocenter.com/principles-for-drafting-a-balanced-budget-amendment/) - This article originally appeared at The American Thinker. The Article V Handbook, which I authored for the American Legislative Exchange Council, emphasizes that citizens pressing for constitutional amendments should avoid fringe or unpopular proposals. The Handbook distills four guiding principles for selecting amendments worthy of support: (1) An amendment should move America back toward Founding principles. (2) [...]
- [The Famous Case of Coleman v. Miller—and, No, It Doesn’t Give Congress Total Control Over the Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/the-famous-case-of-coleman-v-miller-and-no-it-doesnt-give-congress-total-control-over-the-amendment-process/) - Not long ago, I was listening to a radio talk show and was assured by a caller that the Supreme Court, in the case of Coleman v. Miller, had delegated all important decisions over the amendment process to Congress. In other words, the caller said, Congress can make all decisions on every amendment issue: how [...]

## Pages

- [Research/Resources](https://articlevinfocenter.com/researchresources/) - Legal Treatise: The Law of Article V: State Initiation of Constitutional Amendments (Apis Books, 2nd ed 2020) Issue Papers: A Proposed Balanced Budget Amendment (This paper also provides includes specific drafting rules for any amendment.) How the New York Times and Washington Post Spread “Fake News” About An Amendments Convention The Liberal Establishment’s Disinformation Campaign
- [Donate](https://articlevinfocenter.com/donate/) - The ArticleV Information Center is a project of Independence Institute. Thank you for your support.
- [Books](https://articlevinfocenter.com/books/) - The Law of Article V: State Initiation of Constitutional Amendments by Robert G. Natelson (2d ed. 2020) The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant by Robert G. Natelson (3rd ed., 2014) Amendments Without Congress: A Timely Gift From the Founders by Robert Berry (2012) Constitutional Coup: America's New Lease on
- [About](https://articlevinfocenter.com/about/) - About Us The Article V Information Center is a non-partisan research that promotes truthful, unbiased information about a key constitutional right. We are comparable to a voter information center: We provide information and correct misinformation. About funding: In 2014, two individuals donated barely enough to allow us to create this website. We maintain the site
- [Article V Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/article-v-process/) - Article V Process for State Legislatures to Amend the U.S. Constitution Article V of the U.S. Constitution: The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing
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- [Sitemap](https://articlevinfocenter.com/sitemap/) - Pages
- [Video/Audio](https://articlevinfocenter.com/videoaudio/) - Videos March 2013 Article V Symposium, Denver, CO Part I – Opening Remarks by Professor Rob Natelson (7:52) Part II – Robert Berry Outlines Several Amendment Ideas (20:23) Part III – Michael Farris’ Remarks (17:09) Part IV – Roundtable Discussion (48:13) Part V – Colorado Senator Kevin Lundberg and Representative Lori Saine’s Resolution (13:47) Part
- [Why We Must Act Now to Use the Constitution’s Amendment Process](https://articlevinfocenter.com/why-we-must-act-now-to-use-the-constitutions-amendment-process/) - America is in trouble. Perhaps the biggest peacetime trouble she has been in since our country was founded. The fundamental concept behind America is that all people are endowed by nature and by nature’s God with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that to secure those rights, governments are instituted among

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