Hi moms! Convention of States Michigan is here for you! Timeout with COS Moms! Grab your tea, coffee or cocktail! It’s time for your timeout!
Momma bears protect. We keep our homes and families safe. We trust what we know. And, unfortunately, too many of us have never heard of Article V or the Constitutional amendment process.
So how do we know we can trust it? How can we guarantee what will be discussed at a convention? How do we know the end result won’t destroy our Constitution? How can we stop “outsiders” from infiltrating a convention and running away with it?
You are correct to be skeptical. You need to be. These types of questions and concerns are all part of this idea of a “runaway convention.”
Here’s how we know we can trust this Article V process.
First, we know what will be discussed and negotiated because all states are agreeing to the same proposals or agenda items - term limits, limiting federal spending, and a return to federalism with states’ rights. Those are the only topics that will be entertained and negotiated.
Second, the delegates attending, negotiating and voting at the convention are legally charged by their states. They are only going to entertain the proposals just mentioned. If another person or group attempts to insert a different agenda, it will be dismissed out of hand. And it certainly will not get voted on.
Additionally, per Article 5, any proposed amendments must be ratified by 2/3 of the states. This is 38 states. Another way of putting this - we need approval from 76 state chambers to ratify any convention proposals. Another way of putting this - it only takes 13 states to refuse ratification in order to keep proposed amendments from passing. It’s an uphill battle to get any amendments ratified. And it is an impossible battle for anyone looking to destroy the precepts of our Constitution.
Our Constitution wouldn’t be our most foundational and concrete law enforcement document if it were easy to bend and change. We have to work hard to keep it that way.
Watch this short, 3-minute video as Michael Farris, JD, LLM, Convention of States Action, explains the numbers!
So now you know, moms! Make sure your kids know too!
