What do people mean when they discuss an article 5 convention?
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When people discuss an "Article 5 convention," they are referring to a specific process outlined in Article V of the United States Constitution. Article V provides two methods for proposing amendments to the Constitution, one of which is through a convention called by Congress.
To understand what an Article 5 convention is, you need to follow these steps:
1. Read Article V of the United States Constitution: To fully comprehend the concept, start by reading Article V, which states: "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof."
2. Understand the method of proposing amendments: Article V explains that Congress can propose amendments to the Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
3. Explore the convention option: The second method mentioned in Article V is calling a convention for proposing amendments. If two-thirds (or currently 34 out of 50) state legislatures make an application to Congress, requesting a convention, Congress is compelled to call for a convention.
4. Clarify the purpose of the convention: An Article V convention would be organized to propose amendments to the Constitution. The convention could propose one or multiple amendments, which, if approved by a majority of the convention attendees, would be sent to the states for ratification.
It is important to note that while there hasn't been an Article V convention to date, the possibility of one remains a topic of debate among legal scholars and policymakers.