Civics 101 What happens when enough states want to change the Constitution?
Aug 19, 2025
The discussion dives into the rarely invoked Article V of the Constitution, highlighting its potential for amendments through state conventions. Curiosity surrounds the current movement advocating for a constitutional convention amid disillusionment with the federal government. The risks of radical changes emerge, as historical contexts are examined. Economic theories, like those of Milton Friedman, influence calls for a balanced budget amendment, adding layers to the complexities of constitutional amendments. Political dynamics and representation are also key themes in this engaging discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Two Ways To Amend The Constitution
- Article V offers two routes to amend the Constitution: Congress proposal or a states-called convention.
- Both require supermajorities: two-thirds to propose and three-fourths to ratify amendments.
Article V Is Purposefully Vague
- The Constitution names the convention route but gives almost no procedural details about how it would work.
- That vagueness makes an Article V convention both legally possible and procedurally uncertain.
1970s Balanced Budget Push
- In the 1970s conservatives pushed a balanced budget amendment and many states applied for a convention to pursue it.
- Fear of a "runaway convention" led several states to rescind their applications and stalled the movement.
