The Con of the Con-Con

by Andy Biggs

People ask me why I oppose altering the U.S. Constitution through a process initiated by the States. When time is short I respond with just a couple of questions. “Do you believe that the U.S. Constitution is the cause of the problems in America today?” Most people say no. I then ask why they would tinker with something that isn’t the problem instead of addressing the real issue. Their approach is like overhauling an engine to fix a flat tire. Some people say that the Constitution is the problem. I then ask them to identify the provision that causes America’s ills. They try to identify language that is troubling. If time is short I “You have indicated that a portion of the Constitution is problematic. Since you take the position that the Constitution is fallible, how do you know that the remedy you rely on, Article V, is not flawed as well?” The Con of the Con-Con provides a longer response to those who are determined to hold a series of conventions to alter the U.S. Constitution.

172 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015