What are state ratifying conventions?
Q: What are state ratifying conventions?
A: State ratifying conventions are one of the two ways established by Article Five of the United States Constitution for ratifying proposed constitutional amendments.
Q: When was the only time state ratifying conventions were used to ratify a constitutional amendment?
A: The only time state ratifying conventions were used to ratify a constitutional amendment was in 1933 to ratify the 21st Amendment.
Q: How have all other proposed constitutional amendments been ratified?
A: All other proposed constitutional amendments have been offered to the state legislatures for ratification.
Q: Can state ratifying conventions be used to propose a constitutional amendment?
A: Yes, the Constitution provides that state ratifying conventions may also be used to propose a constitutional amendment.
Q: Have any of the 27 amendments to the Constitution been proposed by state conventions?
A: No, to date, none of the 27 amendments to the Constitution have been proposed by state conventions.
Q: How can a state ratifying convention be called?
A: A state ratifying convention may be called by a two-thirds vote by a state legislature.
Q: How does Article Five of the United States Constitution outline the process for ratifying proposed constitutional amendments?
A: Article Five of the United States Constitution outlines two ways for ratifying proposed constitutional amendments, one through state ratifying conventions and the other through state legislatures.
