Big donors, corporations and radical right actors are calling for an Article V convention in states across the country to rewrite the U.S. Constitution to their advantage. Incredibly, we are only a few states away from success.
Article V of the United States Constitution requires Congress to hold a constitutional convention if two-thirds of the state legislatures (34 states) so request. But there’s a problem: The Constitution contains no rules for an Article V constitutional convention, meaning that the group of people who meet to revise our nation’s central legal document may be completely unelected and unaccountable. There is no way to limit the convention to a single issue so that delegates can write constitutional amendments that repeal one of our most cherished rights, such as the right to peaceful protest, freedom of religion, or the right to privacy.
There are currently four major campaigns for an Article V convention, and each has different goals. But together they convinced 28 states to call a convention. That means there are only six states left — which is why we are preventing an Article V convention by increasing our efforts to reject and withdraw requests in states across the country.
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How can citizens effectively advocate against the movement for an Article V convention?
Interview with Constitutional Expert Dr. Jane Thompson on the Implications of an Article V Convention
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing movement for an Article V convention. As an expert in constitutional law, your insights are invaluable. Can you start by explaining what an Article V convention is and why it’s becoming a focal point for various groups?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! Article V of the U.S. Constitution outlines the process for amending the Constitution. It states that if two-thirds of state legislatures—34 states—request a constitutional convention, Congress must convene one. Recently, we’ve seen a surge in calls from big donors, corporations, and radical right actors who aim to gather enough states to make this happen. Their goal is to rewrite the Constitution to serve their interests, which raises significant concerns about democratic governance.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. What are the major risks associated with convening an Article V convention?
Dr. Thompson: The major risk is that the Constitution doesn’t provide any rules governing an Article V convention. This means that the delegates who meet could be entirely unelected and unaccountable. There’s also no guarantee that the convention would be limited to specific issues. Once convened, delegates could propose amendments that might repeal fundamental rights like the freedom of speech, the right to peaceful protest, or even the right to privacy. The scope for change could be vast and potentially detrimental to democratic values.
Editor: You mentioned that there are currently four major campaigns pushing for an Article V convention. Can you tell us more about these campaigns and their objectives?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, each campaign has its own set of goals, which complicates the landscape. While some want fiscal restraints on federal government spending, others may push for a balanced budget amendment, or they might seek to restrict federal powers further. As of now, these efforts have been able to convince 28 states to call for a convention. This places us only six states away from convening. It’s crucial for citizens to understand that these movements could drastically reshape our constitutional landscape.
Editor: What can concerned citizens do to prevent the convening of an Article V convention?
Dr. Thompson: Citizens can get involved in several ways. Firstly, it’s essential to educate others about the implications of an Article V convention to foster a well-informed public. Advocacy efforts are also vital; individuals can reach out to their state legislators to express their opposition to calls for a convention. Moreover, grassroots organizations are actively working to reject and withdraw requests in various states. Supporting these efforts financially or through volunteer work can make a significant difference.
Editor: Lastly, how would you summarize the importance of safeguarding our constitutional rights in the context of this potential convention?
Dr. Thompson: Safeguarding our constitutional rights is more important than ever. We need to remember that the Constitution is a living document designed to protect individual liberties and promote democracy. An Article V convention poses a real threat to these values, and it’s our responsibility as citizens to ensure that any changes to our foundational legal document reflect the will of the people, not just the interests of a few powerful players. Engaging in this discourse is crucial for strengthening our democracy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on the implications of an Article V convention. It’s essential for our readers to stay informed about these developments to protect their rights and strengthen democracy.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we keep this conversation going.