This article first appeared Aug. 15, 2017 in The Hill. Representatives of state legislatures from across the nation will converge
How the States Have Used the “Convention of States” Procedure Read More »
Introduction Conventions of states, and before Independence of colonies, have met frequently over the past three centuries. A “Convention for
List of Conventions of States and Colonies in American History Read More »
The idea of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution (BBA) has been highly popular since the 1970s. Yet
How Should We Draft a Balanced Budget Amendment? Read More »
I recently obtained the records of what may be the last convention of states held before the gathering in Phoenix
Although there were scattered antecedents, “runaway convention” claims and certain associated myths were first distributed widely during the 1960s and
The Runaway Convention Myth: How Two Leading Newspapers Promoted It Read More »
In this short essay, constitutional historian Rob Natelson thumbnails the three-centuries long history of “conventions of the states.” When delegations
The Story of Conventions of States in American History Read More »
The convention of the states meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in September will need a set of rules. Moreover, that convention
Convention Rules for a Convention of the States Read More »
You may have heard alarms that if we hold a national convention for proposing constitutional amendments the gathering would be
The Runaway Convention Myth: How Academics and other Opinion Leaders Promoted It Read More »
An old myth has showed up in the media again: the myth that delegates to the 1787 Constitution Convention violated
Yes, the Constitution was adopted legally Read More »
Among the best tools for interpreting the Constitution are public explanations by its advocates made during the ratification fight. These
A Founder Gives Us a Lesson on the Constitution’s Amendment Process Read More »
A majority of state legislatures have voted to trigger the U.S. Constitution’s most important procedure for reforming the federal government.
Scalia Probably Favored An Amendments Convention — But Does It Matter? Read More »
Americans finally have a real chance to “clean up the mess in Washington.” That’s the implication of the news that
Phoenix, 2017: The First National Convention of States in 150 Years! Read More »
