The Article V Amendatory Constitutional Convention

A long-time advocate of an Article V convention, Brennan (Convention USA) has written a useful overview of the arguments for amending the US Constitution through the employment of the Article V amendment process. That process—as stipulated in Article V of the Constitution—provides for the possibility of a convention to propose amendments to the Constitution if two-thirds of the state legislative bodies agree to its creation. As Brennan rightly notes, the ability of the states to call a convention is little known to the American public. However, to the framers it was important to allow the states and people to amend the Constitution under peaceful conditions. Brennan documents much of that history. The rest of the book advances Brennan’s strong support for an Article V convention and provides readers with suggested amendments to the Constitution. Clearly, Brennan is not neutral on this subject. That is not a failing. The book is . . . thought provoking, and Brennan offers an interesting means to remedy some of the failings of the federal government, political life, and, ultimately, the Constitution. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and professionals. * CHOICE *
Both the left and the right in American politics now seem to understand that something has gone horribly wrong with American government. The checks and balances in our Constitution are routinely evaded, and the separation of powers envisioned by the framers is in shambles. Many thoughtful scholars have wondered if perhaps the time is now right for us seriously to think about amending the Constitution, so that the American people themselves can determine what kind of a future as a nation they would like. The blueprint for this necessary exercise has now been splendidly supplied by Thomas E. Brennan, one of our most accomplished and provocative legal commentators. This book is now required reading for those who care about the future of our polity, and might just help Americans avoid Constitutional crisis. -- Stephen B. Presser, Northwestern University School of Law
For good reason few of the Framers would have imagined that we would go 225 years without a second constitutional convention. Justice Brennan is an ardent supporter of such a convention, and his arguments are well worth reading and attending to. -- Sanford Levinson, University of Texas Law School
Judge Thomas E. Brennan’s enjoyable book is a common sense look at the prospects of a grassroots Article V convention. He grounds his analysis in the thoughts and writings of the Founders and makes a good case for why today's Congress will likely resist any attempts by the states to call a convention. As a result, Brennan argues that a strictly popular convention may be possible and necessary. Brennan also explores a myriad of possible amendment proposals aimed at sparking dialogue and deliberation rather than uniform agreement. Readers will appreciate Judge Brennan’s lively writing style, impressive breadth of knowledge, and his engaging sense of humor. This book is a must for those interested in understanding or exploring Article V convention possibilities. -- Darren Guerra, Biola University