Why does the Convention of States Project seek to decentralize power away from Washington, D.C?
There are many reasons, but one of the most important can be answered by another simple question: is it easier for the average American to get a sit-down meeting with their state or national representative?
The answer to that question is obvious. As thousands of Convention of States volunteers prove every year, it's an easy task to schedule a meeting with your state representative or senator. These men and women represent far fewer people than those in the U.S. Congress, and they aren't constantly attending fundraising dinners and ribbon cuttings.
At these sit-down meetings, Americans have a real voice in government. They can express their concerns and desires and make sure their opinions are heard and respected.
Not so in Washington. It's virtually impossible, unless you are very wealthy or very powerful, to schedule a meeting with your U.S. congressman or senator. It's no wonder a huge majority of Americans feel like their voice doesn't count in Washington.
An Article V Convention of States can transfer the seat of power from Washington to all 50 states. When we empower the state legislatures, everyday Americans can have a greater role in dictating the laws and policies under which they live. They can also vote with their feet by moving away from a state that doesn't honor their values.
That's what Nebraska Senator and Convention of States Sponsor Steve Halloran explained to his colleagues on the floor of the Nebraska legislature this week.
"Part of making a government work is to make sure that the people, the voters, have a voice," he said. "That's what this process is all about, calling for a Convention of States allows the states and the people in those states in proposing amendments to the Constitution."
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