H.Con.Res.15 - Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res.15 proposes an Article V Convention to create a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the US Constitution. It stipulates that any amendment proposed by the convention must be ratified by a vote of the people in three-quarters of the states, using state convention delegates. The resolution references Article V of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton's Federalist 85, and the Supreme Court case Chiafalo v. Washington to support its arguments.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would compel Congress to call a convention of states to propose a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment. The amendment, if proposed and ratified, would alter the Constitution to mandate fiscal responsibility, potentially impacting federal spending and taxation. The requirement for ratification by a vote of the people via state convention delegates would introduce a direct democratic element into the amendment process.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to greater fiscal discipline at the federal level.
- May reduce the national debt and improve the value of the dollar.
- Increases direct citizen involvement in constitutional amendments through state conventions.
- Potentially addresses concerns about unchecked federal spending.
- Aligns with the principle of 'We the People' as the ultimate authority.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- A convention of states could propose amendments beyond the scope of fiscal responsibility, leading to unintended consequences.
- The process of ratification via state conventions could be complex and contentious.
- May create political instability if the proposed amendment is highly divisive.
- Could limit the federal government's ability to respond to economic crises.
- The definition of 'fiscal responsibility' is subjective and open to interpretation.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution invokes Article V of the US Constitution, which outlines the process for amending the Constitution through a convention of states. It also references Federalist 85, where Alexander Hamilton discusses the mandatory nature of Congress calling a convention upon application from two-thirds of the states. The resolution's stipulation for ratification by 'We the People' aligns with the principle of popular sovereignty, although Article V specifies ratification by state legislatures or conventions called for that purpose, not necessarily a direct vote of the people.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).