December 10, 2020
Constitutional Convention Resolutions: Why You Should Care
Resolutions to amend the U. S. Constitution through a “Balanced Budget Article V Convention” resolution or a “Convention of States” resolution made significant progress in the South Carolina General Assembly and have already been passed in legislatures in many states. These resolutions represent a substantial danger to our federal Constitution and to the Republic that it has sustained for more than two centuries. South Carolinians across the political spectrum have ample reason to reject these measures. Our Constitution has often sustained, sometimes frustrated, and frequently puzzled us, but it has held us together in a united nation. We cannot put this at risk.
The “balanced budget” version is only five states from the required 34 states needed to call a convention under Article V. The “Convention of States” model is further from approval. However, it really doesn’t matter what version is passed by the states. Most constitutional
scholars agree that the Convention, once called, will determine its own processes and scope, without reference to state resolutions.1 They would not do so in a vacuum. Once called, a convention would draw intense pressure from well-funded special interests. That is certainly the
intention of those funding the national push for these initiatives, including the wealthy Koch and Mercer families who have backed the resolutions as proposed.2 3 Others, perhaps equally well
funded, could work to influence a Convention with different intentions. We don’t know who will win. Let’s consider the possibilities.