The Path to a Constitutional Convention in 2019: Challenges and Prospects

Advocating for a Constitutional Convention (CC) in 2019 to address the pervasive issues of federalist balance and corruption in American politics presents a complex and challenging endeavor. The conceptual framework of the United States as a federal republic with a delicate balance of power has long evolved. Currently, the notion of state sovereignty and federalism operates under an assumption of mutual respect and collaboration, rather than the previous model where states were more independent and self-governing.

Challenges Faced in 2019

The landscape in 2019 signifies a significant departure from the possibility of convening a CC. Centralized governance and bureaucratic interests underscore the risk and reluctance of federal-level policymakers to engage in fundamental reform. Lifelong politicians are often insulated by their name recognition and constituencies, rendering resistance to reform a common stance. Thus, the prospect of a CC in 2019 is deemed highly improbable under the current political climate.

The Role of a Constitutional Convention

A constitutional convention is not an end in itself but a tool to achieve specific reform goals. In the context of aiming to end the corrupting influence of money in politics, a CC would provide a platform to propose amendments that could significantly reshape governance. However, achieving such a goal by 2019 is daunting given the current state of political will and support. Currently, only 5 states have proposed the necessary reforms, falling far short of the 34 required for a constitutional convention in 2019.

Understanding the Process

The process to convene a CC is designed to be methodical and deliberate. This cautious approach serves as a protective measure to guard against unwise amendments. It demands time and careful consideration, making it impractical to expect a CC in the near term. The slow and meticulous design of the process is intended to ensure that significant reforms are thoroughly vetted and not hastily implemented. This is one of the primary safeguards against hasty and ill-considered amendments.

Addressing Misconceptions

Despite the growing interest in the idea of a CC, widespread misconceptions exist in the public domain. Misinformation abounds, perpetuated by popular media. However, among experts who have extensively studied and published on the topic, consensus is clear: a state's limited convention cannot lead to amendments on a different topic without the unanimous consent of all states. This is a critical point of contention and a primary reason why the possibility of a CC remains a distant one.

The Uncertainty of Constitutional Conventions

The parameters of a CC are often contentious and unclear. For instance, the constitution is ambiguous regarding whether the convention is limited to a single topic or can address multiple issues. Similarly, it remains uncertain whether the convention can rewrite more than just the intended section. The historical precedent set by the last constitutional convention further complicates matters. In 1787, the convention convened to revise the Articles of Confederation; instead, it produced the current Constitution, which changed the rules for ratification from a supermajority to a three-fourths majority of states.

These uncertainties highlight the need for careful and deliberate action. Once a CC is called, the potential for significant and perhaps unforeseen outcomes cannot be understated. Any amendments could be challenged and ultimately reviewed by the Supreme Court. Thus, the path to a CC is fraught with challenges, but it remains a worthy pursuit for those committed to reform and change.

Conclusion

To achieve a constitutional convention in 2019 is a significant challenge. The current political and legal landscape presents numerous barriers to realization. However, by working together, advocating for reform, and educating the public, the possibility of a CC remains a viable goal. Organizations like Wolf-PAC play a critical role in advancing this agenda. Through their efforts, there is still hope for a constitutional convention that can address critical issues such as corruption and money in politics.