37 Pages Posted: 2 Jun 2011

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

In this article, Professor Paulsen sets forth the proper method for counting to thirty-four -- the number of states needed to apply for an Article V constitutional convention, in order to trigger Congress's constitutional obligation to call one -- and applies it to the more than 400 extant submissions of the states over the past two hundred years, through the end of 2010. The rules: Article V contemplates only "unlimited" conventions for proposing amendments. State applications explicitly conditioned on the convention being limited to a certain topic or amendment language are not valid applications for a general, unrestricted constitutional convention. However, state applications reciting a subject matter purpose or agenda but not conditioned on the convention being limited to that topic, constitute valid applications for a general constitutional convention. "Limited-only" applications do not logically and necessarily repeal earlier, valid applications. And valid applications for a general convention may be cumulated over time and across subject; they do not die of their own force, but live on until repealed. Article V imposes no time deadline for cumulating convention applications.

Applying these rules -- the correct counting rules -- how close are we to the magic number of thirty-four? Professor Paulsen saves the dazzling, dizzying conclusion for the end of the article, followed by an appendix updating every state's status (lights "on" or "off" for a general constitutional convention for proposing amendments) on a state-by-state basis.