The Founders built various checks and balances into the Constitution. One of the most important was the power of state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments to curb an abusive federal government. The Founders placed the procedure in the Constitutionโs Article V.
The Founders would be astonishedโand chagrinedโto learn the process has never been used. If we complained to them about the federal governmentโs overreaching and fiscal incontinence, theyโd probably respond, โBut youโve never used the process we gave you to deal with just this sort of situation. So itโs really your own fault.โ
Iโve just written a new, two-page flyer designed to introduce citizens to the procedure. You can find it here.ย This is just the substance; it will be made prettier later on. Feel free to copy and use it.
Coming soon: An update on the where the states are in getting an amendment to deal with the federal fiscal crisis.
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