With all of the positive progress we’ve seen I urge this group to keep the pressure up and show that we’re serious. If the parties won’t listen, let’s press for holding the first Constitutional Convention under Article 5. 

**What is an Article 5 Convention?**

An Article V Convention, often called a Constitutional Convention, is a constitutionally authorized assembly whose sole legal purpose is to propose amendments to the United States Constitution.

It is a state-initiated mechanism designed as a structural safeguard, allowing the states to act collectively when Congress is unwilling or unable to address constitutional problems.

**How can we accomplish this?**

There are several steps:

*State Applications*

Two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) must pass formal applications requesting a convention.

Next congress is constitutionally bound to call a convention where they have oversight of only the *when & where*. They **cannot** govern what is proposed. 

**States** then choose their delegates and set the rules. States determine the number of delegates, what topics are to be discussed and proposed, and what if any recall or replacement mechanisms are needed. 

The delegates debate and propose amendment text, though here is where things get muddy as lawyers cannot agree if delegates are restricted to a single topic or not. 

After amendments are finalized they are transmitted to congress who then chooses their manner in which they are to be ratified, either through state convention or legislature. 

Finally, Three-fourths of the states (38) must ratify for an amendment to become part of the Constitution.