On September 17, 1787, a group of men gathered in a closed meeting room to sign the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. This momentous occasion marked the end of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where delegates from 12 of the 13 original states came together to create a new framework for the young nation.
Concern about the Articles of Confederation Just a few years after the Revolutionary War, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and other prominent figures recognized the limitations of the Articles of Confederation. The weak central government and lack of unified authority led to economic instability and discord among the states. The call for a Constitutional Convention gained momentum as a means to address these critical issues and establish a more effective system of governance.
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth and final state needed to ratify the Constitution. This milestone officially established the new framework as the supreme law of the land, paving the way for the United States to move forward as a unified nation. The successful ratification of the Constitution marked a turning point in American history, setting the stage for the development of a strong federal government and the protection of individual rights.
Presiding Over the Constitutional Convention: The Indispensable Man - During the spring and sweltering summer of 1787, George Washington provided guidance as the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention. His leadership and impartiality were instrumental in fostering consensus among the delegates and navigating contentious debates. Washington's presence and influence played a crucial role in shaping the final document that would become the foundation of American democracy.
Common Cause is fighting to stop special interest groups from calling an Article V Convention to radically reshape the U.S. Constitution. The organization recognizes the potential dangers of opening up the Constitution for revision and advocates for safeguarding the principles and values enshrined in the original document. The push to convene a constitutional convention raises concerns about the possibility of unintended consequences and the erosion of fundamental rights.
The bill calling a Constitutional Convention advanced this week in the Louisiana Legislature; here's the latest on its status. As states consider the prospect of convening a constitutional convention, the debate over the necessity and potential risks of such a gathering continues to unfold. Proponents argue that a convention is needed to address pressing issues and modernize the Constitution, while opponents express reservations about the potential for unintended consequences and the erosion of constitutional protections.
ACS, the Center for Media and Democracy, and Common Cause hosted a virtual conversation on the lurking dangers of a constitutional convention. The event aimed to raise awareness about the potential risks and implications of opening up the Constitution for revision, highlighting the need for informed public discourse and engagement. The discussion underscored the importance of preserving the integrity of the Constitution and upholding democratic principles in the face of mounting challenges.
Proposals for Florida to call for constitutional conventions on term limits and a balanced budget are advancing in the House. The push for state-led constitutional conventions reflects ongoing efforts to address systemic issues and enact meaningful reforms at the state level. Advocates argue that a convention provides a platform for addressing key issues that impact governance and accountability, while critics caution against the risks of unintended consequences and potential conflicts with existing constitutional provisions.
The 250th birthday of the United States is coming in four years. Already the great cultural institutions of America (National Endowment for the Arts, Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities...) are planning a series of events to commemorate this historic milestone. The celebration will honor the enduring legacy of the Constitution and the principles that have shaped American society for over two centuries.
