Call a Convention to Amend the Constitution

Topics: Law, U.S.

Public Release Date: December 07, 2016

Presented in partnership with the National Constitution Center.

Almost everyone can think of something they would like to change in the U.S. Constitution. Some would like to update it to fit new technologies and evolving social mores. Others think the Supreme Court has illegitimately “updated” it too much already, and would like to restore its original meaning. Either way, it is always tempting to invoke Article V to amend the Constitution — to “fix" it, or “restore" it, or “improve" it. But, on the other hand, there is a substantial risk to tinkering with the Constitution: many amendments seem to have unintended consequences. And calling a convention for proposing amendments is even riskier, because it has never been done before — and it might inadvertently put the entire constitutional structure up for grabs.

Is it worth the risk? Should the states call a convention to amend the Constitution?

ARGUING YES:

• Lawrence Lessig: Professor at Harvard Law , Founder of Mayday PAC

• Mark Meckler: President of the Citizens for Self-Governance

ARGUING NO:

• David Super: Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center

• Walter Olson: Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies

MODERATOR:

• John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist