This is part 1 of the 8 part series establishing that the laser-focus of the Compact for America approach to organizing an Article V convention with the specific job advancing and ratifying a pre-drafted, specific federal Balanced Budget Amendment is clearly, unequivocally, and overwhelmingly what the Founders expected from the state-originated amendment process.
Exhibit A-The Drafting History
Original text of Article V:
“The Congress… on the Application of two thirds of the Legislatures of the several States shall propose amendments…”
-The Application Would Specify The Amendment(s) To Be Proposed
Final Text of Article V:
“The Congress… on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments…”
-Nothing Indicates “Application” Changed Meaning.
Just as Congress was expected to propose the amendments specified by the states in their Article V Application in the first draft of Article V, so was it expected that the Convention would propose the amendments specified by the states in their Article V Application in the final draft of Article V.
That’s what the Compact for America approach does.
Please support the “Balance the Budget Now” campaign.
[Originally published at Compact for America]
Nick Dranias is a policy advisor and research fellow for The Heartland Institute.
