Convention of States

Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to call a convention to propose amendments. It takes 34 states to call the convention and 38 to ratify any amendments that are proposed. Our convention would only allow the states to discuss amendments that, “limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and place term limits on federal officials.”

For more information, see the links below:

Convention of States website: www.conventionofstates.com. Be sure to view the COS Pocket Guide!

• Historical Conventions of States listed, court cases and Commissions.

• Articles of Confederation, digital library

• Digital library of U.S. Founding Documents, including the U.S. Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.

• Federalist Papers,

  Refer to Federalist No. 41 - General View of the Powers conferred by the Constitution.

  Refer to Federalist No. 85. - Madison describes the process of Article V

• Constitutional Convention Records, notes taken by James Madison, drafts in committees and by individuals, correspondence and other sub-collections. See also: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0093

• Framer’s writings and correspondence digital library

• American Legislative Exchange Council

  See articles:

  • The “Runaway Convention” Myth by R Natelson

  • Federalism. Genuine accountability to hardworking taxpayers.

  • Article V: A Handbook for State Lawmakers (pdf document), by Robert G. Natelson - American Legislative Exchange Council

  • The Law of Article V by Robert G. Natelson