What if a political party or a group of representatives carefully crafts a proposed amendment that circumvents an amendment in our Bill of Rights? This is a question from one of our participants. It’s a point that we ought to explore.
Our participant points out that today we see a complete disregard for our U.S. Constitution or stretching beyond recognition by legislators and leaders. It’s not unreasonable to think that our Constitution could be subverted by those who present their case with palatable “good intentions.”
Remember Article V
Firstly, Article V lays out the amendment process. Two-thirds of both Houses and three-fourths of all states must agree to any changes to our Constitution.
How did those elected representatives get the privilege of amending our Constitution? We the People (you and me), give it to them when we elect them to Congress. It is their duty to uphold the Constitution and represent the U.S. (not just lobbying groups). With that in mind, if they disregard our Constitution entirely, which includes 7 Articles and 27 Amendments (including the Bill of Rights), we are not doing our job of guarding liberty by holding them accountable or replacing them. We need to do our job! Know the Constitution so We the People, can exercise discernment in running our country!
Who Can Propose Amendments?
Secondly, Article V provides for a Convention of States (aka Convention for Proposing Amendments). Only States have the power to amend the Constitution. Congress or a Convention can ONLY propose amendments.
You can learn more here: https://civicsandcitizenship.org/convention-of-states-question/
No matter the Article V method, it takes three-fourths of all states to ratify an amendment. That’s not easy to do. Our Founders designed it that way.
Who Ultimately Gives Consent?
In any case, changes to our Constitution must be voted on by three-fourths of all states. Nefarious amendments may be proposed, but we must know our Constitution to spot falsehood. Unless our country ceases to exist, no changes (good or bad) can be made without our consent through our state legislators (note: NOT appointees, agencies, or advocacy groups).
We are a Representative Republic. We must carefully choose and support candidates who will uphold the Constitution. It’s not about how they look or their credentials. It’s about their character, record, and how well they live out upholding the Constitution.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.
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