Earlier this year, the Montana Legislature moved closer to a potential constitutional crisis.
A resolution advanced through a Senate committee, aiming to request a national convention to rewrite the US Constitution under Article 5. However, it has yet to reach the Senate floor for a vote—a significant point considering it hasn’t happened in the 237 years of our republic’s history.
This issue is not occurring in isolation; it’s part of a broader initiative. Voters in Michigan will also have a say in November 2026 on this topic. The campaign is driven by the National Project Conference, backed by financial support from organizations like the Heritage Foundation and ALEC, along with other funding sources.
It’s essential to recognize that this is not a peripheral movement. It’s a well-coordinated effort that, if successful, would achieve something unprecedented in American history, challenging existing constraints on the process and agenda from constitutional experts.
Currently, 19 states have passed resolutions calling for a constitutional convention. Additionally, 28 states have advocated amendments for a balanced federal budget. Only six more states are needed to hit the crucial 34 for initiating a convention.
Proponents of the Convention of States Project claim their focus is on term limits and a balanced budget, but past proposals suggest otherwise. They aim to:
- Empower states to override federal laws.
- Allow states to disregard Supreme Court decisions.
- Eliminate the 16th Amendment, which permits federal income taxes.
If a convention were to happen, former President Donald Trump might push to abolish certain limitations, such as the two-term limit for presidents. Supporters argue such changes face hurdles since they require ratification by three-quarters of the states, but that misses the broader implications.
When radical concepts are debated publicly, they can gain undue legitimacy and influence. We’ve seen this play out with theories like the “Independent State Legislature” theory. It’s concerning how ideas can seep into political discourse over time.
Simultaneously, bills relating to Article V are on the rise, with lobbying groups like the US term limits campaign advocating for a controversial “fusion theory.” This legal interpretation could help achieve the required 34-state threshold for a convention.
This isn’t just grassroots activism; it’s a top-down initiative driven by political organizations, some pushing for plans like Project 2025—aiming to drastically centralize presidential power, reduce the influence of civil servants, and undermine federal checks and balances. Should a convention occur, it could set their agenda firmly within the Constitution.
On a more positive note, efforts to counter this movement have shown promise. Coalitions against these constitutional calls, spearheaded by Democracy 21, have helped prevent advances in many states.
In states like Montana and Idaho, bipartisan groups, including civil rights advocates and labor unions, have successfully stalled new constitutional proposals. Meanwhile, Washington and Connecticut have withdrawn their earlier resolutions. As of mid-2025, 16 states—including New York, California, and Illinois—have agreed not to hold conventions, with Massachusetts potentially joining them soon. If they reach 17, that could temporarily halt these conventions.
These achievements are vital. They illustrate the impact citizens can have when they engage and when lawmakers take their constituents’ concerns seriously. Still, this isn’t the end of the conversation. These campaigns are persistent and more financially backed than before.
Some might dismiss these efforts as too far-fetched to succeed, but that would be a grave error.
Just look at Hungary; Viktor Orbán took gradual steps to undermine democracy, bending the system until there were no checks left. This ongoing movement seems to be playing from that same playbook, aiming to dismantle democratic structures under the guise of constitutional reform.
We must defend our Constitution against those aiming to reshape it in ways that undermine democracy. It should serve as a safeguard for checks and balances, representative governance, and rule of law.
State lawmakers need to reject calls for a new constitutional convention. If any resolutions are already in place, they should be rescinded. The stakes are too high.
This isn’t genuine reform; it’s a calculated power grab. And it has to be put to a stop.
Fred Wertheimer is the president of Democracy 21, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing American democracy.
