Strategic Reasons Behind the Lengthy Convention of States Process

Blog on January 12, 2024, by Article V Patriot

Why does it take so long to call an Article V convention? It's a common question we get at the Convention of States frequently, and the answer lies in the deliberate intentions of our Constitution's framers.

The Founders envisioned a Constitution as the bedrock of our nation, a document that should be stable, consistent, and resistant to impulsive changes. So, why the intentional delay? Simply put, the framers didn't want it to be easy for us to call a convention or propose amendments.

Picture this – if it were easy, we might end up with a Constitution filled with all sorts of hasty and ill-considered ideas. Gender madness, race madness, educational madness, or environmental madness could potentially find their way into our fundamental law. The framers foresaw the chaos that could ensue if amendments were proposed impulsively.

The deliberate pace is meant to give society the time it needs to consider and evaluate proposed changes carefully. It's a process that ensures we don't rush into amending our Constitution based on fleeting sentiments. As frustrating as it may be, the framers designed it to be a slow and calculated process.

“It takes a long time and I get it, it can be frustrating. I'm out there doing the work. It gets frustrating sometimes, but the framers intended for it to take a long time,” COS President Mark Meckler explained in a video. 

Consider the alternative – quick and easy amendments might result in constant shifts, making it challenging to establish a clear, permanent direction for our nation. Instead, the Founders wanted us to engage in meaningful debates, allowing society to come to a consensus on what changes are truly essential.

While it may seem like a difficult journey, remember that a constitutional amendment represents the collective will of millions of people. It's a thorough, time-consuming process that aligns with the framers' vision of a well-considered change of our foundational laws. 

So, the next time you hear someone complaining about the lengthy process, share the wisdom of the Founders – they intended for it to take time, ensuring that only the most crucial and well-thought-out changes become part of our Constitution.