In the current mix of intense political activity in America today, one is bound to run into eager organizers campaigning for a “Convention of States (COS)” to be convened under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The organizers often whip up their audiences with “Who’s for limited government? (cheers) Who’s for term limits? (applause) Who’s for a balanced budget? (applause and cheers).” After throwing this illusory red meat to angry activists who rightly believe that Washington has sold them out, the proposal for a “Convention of States” is introduced, and people are told that such a convention would put power back in the hands of “the people” and “the states” via a constitutional convention.
