Were the Founders of our country criminals?
According to most public school textbooks, the answer is yes. The "runaway convention" myth argues that the Founders exceeded their authority at the constitutional convention of 1787. Supposedly, they were only granted the power to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they wrote an entirely new Constitution.
This myth has been used to scare state legislators into not voting to call the first-ever Article V Convention of States. According to these fearmongers, a Convention of States will "run away" just like the constitutional convention did. Like the Founders, the delegates to a Convention of States will get away with a serious crime against our nation.
As with many myths about our nation's founding, this one is easily debunked with a brief look at the historical record. As this Wyoming volunteer explained before a legislative committee, the Founders did not exceed their authority. Their states asked them to fix the national government--not just revise the Articles of Confederation--and that's exactly what they did.
If you'd like to read more about this fascinating topic, download this document: "Can We Trust the Constitution: Answering the 'Runaway Convention' Myth."
It explains, in plain English, why the Founders were not criminals, why the Constitution was legally adopted, and why a Convention of States won't "run away."
To join the Convention of States movement in your state, sign the petition below!
