What is an Article 5 Convention of States?
An Article 5 Convention of States is a process outlined in Article V of the United States Constitution that allows for the amendment of the Constitution through a convention called by the states. This convention is not a constitutional convention, which would be called by Congress, but rather a convention specifically called for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution. The idea behind this process is to give the states a direct voice in the amendment process, allowing them to propose changes to the Constitution that they believe are necessary to address the needs and concerns of the American people.
Under Article V, two methods can be used to propose amendments to the Constitution. The first method is for two-thirds of both houses of Congress to propose an amendment, and the second method is for two-thirds of the state legislatures to call for a convention. The Article 5 Convention of States is the latter method, which is often referred to as a “Constitutional Convention” or a “Con Con.”
The process begins when at least 34 states pass resolutions calling for a convention. Once this threshold is reached, Congress is required to call a convention. The convention itself is then responsible for drafting and voting on amendments to the Constitution. If three-fourths of the states ratify the proposed amendments, they become part of the Constitution.
The Article 5 Convention of States has been a subject of debate and controversy for many years. Proponents argue that it is a necessary tool for states to protect their rights and address issues that Congress is not effectively addressing. Critics, however, worry that the convention could be used to make sweeping changes to the Constitution without proper oversight and that it could lead to a breakdown in the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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