Article V of the U.S. Constitution establishes two methods for proposing constitutional amendments: a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Although all 27 ratified amendments have been proposed by Congress, and no Article V convention has ever been called, the convention process remains an alternative path to constitutional reform. In this episode, Lawrence Lessig of Harvard Law School and David A. Super of Georgetown University Law Center debate whether Article V conventions offer a necessary alternative to a politically gridlocked Congress or pose unacceptable risks to the constitutional order. They examine the history and purpose of Article V conventions, current movements to amend the Constitution, concerns about a runaway convention, and potential safeguards to ensure democratic accountability. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
Resources
VthePeople, Harvard Law School
“Debating another way to change the Constitution,” Rebecca Beyer, Harvard Law Today, Oct. 6, 2026
“Making an Article V Convention Safe for Democracy,” Lawrence Lessig, New York Review, April 17, 2023
“A constitutional convention is the last thing America needs,” David A. Super, Los Angeles Times, March 15, 2017
Article V, Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center
Article V: Amending the Constitution, National Constitution Center
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