The Convention of States is a proposal invoking Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows states to convene for proposing amendments to the Constitution. This process requires the approval of two-thirds (34) of state legislatures to call the convention and three-fourths (38) of states to ratify any proposed amendments.
This approach is seen by some as a way to address perceived overreaches of federal power, aligning with principles of limited government and state sovereignty. Advocates argue that a Convention of States could propose amendments on issues like federal term limits, a balanced budget, or limits on federal power and jurisdiction.
As of April 2023, 19 states had officially passed resolutions calling for a Convention of States. To reach the threshold of 34 states, 15 more states would need to pass similar resolutions. This indicates that while the movement has gained some traction, it is still a significant distance from the number required to convene such a convention.
The progress and feasibility of reaching the 34-state threshold depend on various factors, including political climates within state legislatures and public sentiment towards federal governance versus state rights. It's a dynamic scenario, with ongoing efforts by supporters to gain more state endorsements and potential shifts in political landscapes influencing the pace and possibility of reaching the required number of states.
Power, Politics, and the People:
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern American Governance, Part1
Power, Politics, and the People
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern American Governance, Part 2
Power, Politics, and the People
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern American Governance, Part 3
Power, Politics, and the People
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern American Governance, Part 4
State Approvals: As of now, 19 states have fully passed and transmitted applications to Congress for the specific purpose of calling a convention to propose amendments. These amendments aim to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and impose term limits on its officials and members of Congress
List of States: The 19 states that have passed the Convention of States application include Georgia, Alaska, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Indiana, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arizona, North Dakota, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Utah, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Nebraska, West Virginia, and South Carolina.
Convention of States Status Update
Ongoing Efforts: Over 20 states are set to consider the Convention of States Resolution. As the requirement for calling a Convention is the approval of 34 states, these ongoing efforts indicate that there is still a significant way to go for the movement to reach its goal.
Progress Map: States that have passed the Convention of States Article V application
Recent Developments: One recent example of legislative action is Senate Bill 506 filed in April 2023, which is a joint resolution to apply to Congress for calling a convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States
20+ states about to consider the Convention of States Resolution.
The Convention of States movement seeks to initiate a process under Article V of the U.S. Constitution for states to propose amendments, typically centered around limiting federal power, enforcing fiscal constraints, and setting term limits. It remains a significant grassroots and legislative effort, with continued activity and developments in various states.
Do you believe that we the people, as a whole, are intelligent enough, careful enough and GOOD enough to have a convention of states?
I fear we would do more harm than good based on the idiots that abound in America today