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why do we need a constitutional convention

by Miss Emmie Ryan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Why do we need a constitutional convention? A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or revising an existing constitution. Members of a constitutional convention (sometimes referred to as "delegates" to a constitutional convention) are often, though not necessarily or entirely, elected by popular vote.

The Constitutional Convention took place from May 14 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The point of the event was decide how America was going to be governed. Although the Convention had been officially called to revise the existing Articles of Confederation, many delegates had much bigger plans.

Full Answer

What is the purpose of a constitutional convention?

Jan 11, 2020 · Why do we need a constitutional convention? A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or revising an existing constitution. Members of a constitutional convention (sometimes referred to as "delegates" to a constitutional convention) are often, though not necessarily or entirely, elected by popular vote.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

Sep 16, 2017 · Congress decides which. So Congress could call for special ratification conventions and completely bypass the state legislatures. The 21st Amendment was ratified in this manner. The Drafters of the Constitution chose to have it ratified by special conventions in the states and bypassed the state legislatures.

Which states have agreed to contotusal Convention?

Sep 27, 2013 · In the second process, two-thirds of states may call for an amendment convention to take the place of Congress in proposing an amendment to the states, and that proposal becomes part of the ...

What is the definition of constitutional convention?

Dec 24, 2013 · Much of the strife revolves around interpretations of our nation’s founding document: the constitution. WHYY’s Vice President of News, Chris Satullo, caps a year of what might kindly be called “spirited debate” over the constitution with Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

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Why was there a need for a Constitutional Convention?

The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.

What is needed for a Constitutional Convention?

Today, 34 of the 50 state legislatures would need to apply in order for Congress to call a constitutional convention. The Article V convention is a way for the states to bypass Congress. When two-thirds of the state legislatures apply for a convention, Congress is constitutionally required to call it.Jul 9, 2021

What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

Near the end of the convention, a Committee of Style and Arrangement kneaded it into its final form, condensing 23 articles into seven in less than four days. On September 17, 1787, 38 delegates signed the Constitution.Oct 7, 2021

What would a convention of states do?

Answer: A convention of states is a convention called by the state legislatures for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution. They are given power to do this under Article V of the Constitution.

Two Surprises

I was surprised by two things: 1) the huge number of responses to my article, and 2) the extremely strong emotions people shared about how we must avoid a Convention at all costs, and, alternatively, how without a Convention America is truly doomed.

The Reality

For those who are adamantly supportive of either side, my thoughts are likely to be frustrating. I see the value of both views. I think a Convention is either a wonderful idea or a terrible idea, and we won’t truly know which until after it is held (if it ever happens, that is).

But How?

How can we get 3% of the populace to understand the Constitution? Honestly, this is really very simple. There are five books I know of that teach what is needed. A person who reads, studies, and really understands any of the five will know enough to be part of the 3%. The five are:

How to maintain the political viability of a second Constitutional Convention?

Levinson believes that one way to maintain the political viability of a second convention is by limiting its scope. An agreement beforehand that the Convention will only discuss structural provisions will take off the table many of today’s most divisive issues, such as abortion and gun control. Another of Levinson’s proposals is that the convention’s revisions, if adopted, will have a delayed implementation, perhaps for 10 or more years, situating the country behind a kind of Rawlsian veil of ignorance. He hopes that a delayed implementation will allow delegates to decide matters of government structure without any ideological or partisan bias.

Who proposed the Second Constitutional Convention?

Perhaps the first person to propose a Second Constitutional Convention, albeit implicitly, was Thomas Jefferson, who was overseas in France during the first convention. In a 1789 letter to James Madison, Jefferson wrestled with the question of whether one generation can legislate for future generations. After conducting some calculations, he concluded that no law can be binding after 19 years. “No society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a perpetual law,” Jefferson wrote. “The earth belongs to the living and not to the dead.” It is quite remarkable that at its core the structure of American government has not changed in the two centuries since Jefferson declared that “the earth belongs to the living.” The United States is still a democratic republic with three branches of government, a bicameral legislature, and a presidential veto, but we are starting to see the walls of this old house begin to crack.

What percentage of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing?

Congress is faring even worse: according to one recent poll, only 14 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing. A majority of people believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction, and the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses have been the three least productive in modern history.

What does "re-establishing" mean?

Re-Establishing Meaning. The structure of American government is not the only outmoded artifact in the Constitution. The Constitution’s language needs updating as well, something that a Second Constitutional Convention could accomplish. Some of the Constitution’s provisions are simply relics of a departed era.

What is the emolument clause?

One example is Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, known as the Emoluments Clause, which forbids any “Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust” in the United States from accepting “any present, Emolument, Office, or Title” from a foreign state.

What is the purpose of Article V of the Constitution?

Article V of our constitution allows for the states to call for a convention of states to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government through the proposal of constitutional amendments.

What is Article V?

Article V of our constitution allows for the states to call for a convention of states to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government through the proposal of constitutional amendments. Physicians should be the strongest supporters of this brilliantly-crafted states’ rights tool placed into our constitution by our founders.

Is the medical profession regulated?

The medical profession is the most highly regulated profession in the United States. The practice of medicine is controlled, taxed, and regulated to the point of being destroyed by the heavy hand of the federal government. Physicians are told how to bill, how much to charge, and how to treat patients .

What is the prescription for a cure?

The prescription for a cure was written into our constitution by our founders. Article V of our constitution allows for the states to call for a convention of states to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government through the proposal of constitutional amendments.

What is HIPPA in medical terms?

They are mandated to use expensive electronic medical records. The federally enacted HIPPA (Health Information Privacy and Portability Act) makes the communication between physicians and atients burdensome, inefficient,and expensive.

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1.Do We Need a New Constitutional Convention?

Url:https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/do-we-need-a-new-constitutional-convention/

16 hours ago Jan 11, 2020 · Why do we need a constitutional convention? A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or revising an existing constitution. Members of a constitutional convention (sometimes referred to as "delegates" to a constitutional convention) are often, though not necessarily or entirely, elected by popular vote.

2.Do we need a new Constitutional Convention? - WHYY

Url:https://whyy.org/segments/do-we-need-a-new-constitutional-convention/

1 hours ago Sep 16, 2017 · Congress decides which. So Congress could call for special ratification conventions and completely bypass the state legislatures. The 21st Amendment was ratified in this manner. The Drafters of the Constitution chose to have it ratified by special conventions in the states and bypassed the state legislatures.

3.廊藍 Why do we need a constitutional convention?

Url:https://blitarkab.go.id/ask/why-do-we-need-a-constitutional-convention

29 hours ago Sep 27, 2013 · In the second process, two-thirds of states may call for an amendment convention to take the place of Congress in proposing an amendment to the states, and that proposal becomes part of the ...

4.Should We Have A Constitutional Convention or Not?

Url:https://oliverdemille.com/2014/11/constitutional-convention/

2 hours ago Dec 24, 2013 · Much of the strife revolves around interpretations of our nation’s founding document: the constitution. WHYY’s Vice President of News, Chris Satullo, caps a year of what might kindly be called “spirited debate” over the constitution with Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

5.Does America Need Another Constitutional Convention?

Url:https://presidentialsystem.org/2019/03/31/does-america-need-another-constitutional-convention/

13 hours ago Why do we need a constitutional convention? A constitutional convention is a gathering for the purpose of writing a new constitution or revising an existing constitution . Members of a constitutional convention (sometimes referred to as "delegates" to a constitutional convention ) are often, though not necessarily or entirely, elected by ...

6.Why Would “Conservatives” Want a Constitutional …

Url:https://thenewamerican.com/why-would-conservatives-want-a-constitutional-convention/

33 hours ago Why do we need the Constitution? A Constitution is necessary because of the following reasons: It is an important law of the land. It determines the relationship of the citizens with the governments. It specifies on how the Government would be elected and who will have the power and the responsibility to take important decisions.

7.Why Do We Want to Call a Convention of States?

Url:https://conventionofstates.com/why-do-we-want-to-call-a-convention-of-states

32 hours ago Nov 18, 2014 · Today we need at least 3% to deeply, truly understand the Constitution and the principles of freedom—at the level Madison and Jefferson and the Americans of their generation understood them. If that doesn’t happen, a Convention won’t help. Likewise, if it doesn’t happen, avoiding a Convention won’t help either.

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