Let's Talk the Convention of States!

Published on February 14, 2022
Duration: 15:52

This video discusses the Convention of States, a mechanism outlined in Article 5 of the US Constitution, allowing states to propose amendments. The speaker, from Guns & Gadgets, explores the historical context, the process involving two-thirds of state legislatures to call a convention and three-fourths to ratify amendments, and the current progress with 17 states having passed applications. Concerns about a 'runaway convention' and potential risks to the Second Amendment are also addressed, highlighting the speaker's mixed feelings and call for community input.

Quick Summary

A Convention of States is a mechanism in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution allowing state legislatures to call a national convention for proposing constitutional amendments. It requires applications from two-thirds of states (34) to be called, and any proposed amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of states (38).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Call for Input
  2. 00:35What is the Convention of States?
  3. 01:23Historical Context: Colonel George Mason
  4. 02:28Article 5 of the US Constitution
  5. 03:54The Unused Process: Convention of States
  6. 04:45Article 5 in Layman's Terms
  7. 06:54Current Progress and Momentum
  8. 07:42Convention of States Progress Map
  9. 09:01The Application Text Explained
  10. 11:13Key Areas of the Application
  11. 11:34Concerns: Term Limits & Second Amendment
  12. 12:25The 'Runaway Convention' Fear
  13. 13:08Trusting the Process?
  14. 13:46Support and Opposition
  15. 14:10Guns & Gadgets Community Stand
  16. 15:22Closing Remarks & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Convention of States?

A Convention of States is a mechanism in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution allowing state legislatures to call a national convention for proposing constitutional amendments. It requires applications from two-thirds of states (34) to be called, and any proposed amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of states (38).

How many states have applied for a Convention of States?

As of the video's recording, 17 states had passed applications for a Convention of States. This includes states like Wisconsin and Nebraska, indicating significant progress towards the 34-state threshold needed to convene.

What are the main goals of the Convention of States application?

The current Convention of States application aims to propose amendments focused on three key areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials, including members of Congress and potentially the judiciary.

What are the risks associated with a Convention of States?

A primary concern is the possibility of a 'runaway convention,' where the scope of proposed amendments could expand beyond the original intent, potentially impacting fundamental rights like the Second Amendment, freedom of speech, or other constitutional protections.

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