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Litigation Summary

The United States faces a growing crisis of fiscal irresponsibility, with the federal deficit and debt reaching unsustainable levels due to Congress’s short-term focus driven by election cycles. Regular legislation has proven ineffective at solving this problem because one Congress cannot bind the next. A constitutional amendment is the only solution to enforce fiscal discipline, as it would provide a long-term fix beyond the reach of shifting political priorities. The Constitution empowers the states to call a convention to propose such an amendment, and enough states have already applied to require Congress to do so. If Congress does not do its duty, it is up to the States to enforce their rights. Citizens also play a crucial role by urging their congressional representatives and state officials to act and uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an Article V convention for proposing amendments?
• No impact on the Equal Rights Amendment litigation
• The myth of the runaway convention
• The States’ equal power to propose amendments
• Congress’ continuing duty to call
• All 50 States have standing
• The Declaratory Judgment Act

Publications and Resources

• FFSF Publications
• Scholarly Sources
• Primary Sources
• A Selection of Legal Precedent

Additional Websites

• HCR 24 (Calling a Convention for Proposing Amendments)
• House Clerk’s Memorials (Partial list of convention calls)
• Phoenix Correspondence Commission (How an amending convention works)
• Path to Reform
• Committee for Responsible Federal Budget
• Main Street Economics
• Peter G. Peterson Foundation
• Millennial Debt Foundation
• American Legislative Exchange Council
• Heartland Institute
• Article V Library

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