Advocates of a federal balanced budget amendment are closing in on the 34 states necessary to require Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments. Other groups, such as the Convention of States project, are working assiduously toward the same goal. If they succeed, it will be a constitutional milestone, and a tribute to the dedication of millions of Americans who recognize that the federal government is sorely in need of reform. Because a convention seems increasingly likely, some state lawmakers have been engaged in advance planning, which is very wise. Less well considered are suggestions to modify traditional voting rules with an unprecedented system that would make it extremely difficult for the convention to actually propose any amendments. Since the late 17th century, American states (and before them, colonies) have met in convention at least 36 times. Interstate meetings of this type are essentially negotiating sessions among sovereigns, and...(Read Full Article)