The Maligned Original Article

Guest Opinion by Terry Richmond

There are only seven original articles in the Constitution of the United States.

All have Sections or at least paragraphs, except Article V; it is only one sentence. But, 143 Words, 14 Commas, 2 Semicolons and one period is not how we compose today.

We have amended our Constitution 27 times using the Congressional method, never using the State Legislature method. Why is that? I contend that fear and ignorance are to blame – fear that the whole constitution will be done away with should a Convention be called by the States. Opponents always call it a Constitutional Convention. Article V calls it an Amending Convention. I learned to read some time ago and my life has been a lot easier since then.

Ignorance comes in when one realizes that there have already been over 40 of these types of conventions. Topics have included water rights as in the Santa Fe Convention (1922) and to attempt to prevent the Civil War, the Washington Peace Conference (1861). States have gathered to address common issues since before the Declaration. There has never been a runaway convention because the people that attend are sent by their legislature with a commission delineating their duties and responsibilities. The United States is a Constitutional Republic, and it is important that we demonstrate our commitment to its principles. As Benjamin Franklin once remarked, it is our responsibility to preserve and uphold this system of government.

Article V:

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Terry Richmond is a strong proponent of Article V, and active in both the Jefferson County and Alabama GOP. He may be contacted by email at: tlr400@gmail.com.

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