Editor, The Beacon:

I am responding to the examples presented in a previously published letter about the Article V Convention, as they do not fully reflect the rules outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

What is possible given the rules in Article V and the wide variation in population between the 50 states? Article V requires that a proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution is approved by three-fourths of the states. And yes, California (most populous state) gets one vote and Wyoming (least populous state) gets one vote, despite the huge variance in the population of the two states. Thirtyeight states must approve a proposal for it to become an amendment.

The U.S. population is approximately 326.7 million. The total population of the 12 most populous states is approximately 199.9 million.

Theoretically, it is possible for the 38 least populous states to approve an amendment while the 12 most populous states oppose. In this example, it is possible for a population totaling 126.8 million to approve an amendment while 199.9 million are opposed.

This scenario is highly unlikely. Of the four most populous states (California, Texas, Florida, New York), two lean heavily left and two lean right, politically.

If California and New York voted for an amendment, and Texas and Florida opposed, the total population voting for approval (assuming only 38 states approved) would be 168.2 million, while 158.5 million (12 states) would be opposed.

Because there are Democrats and Republicans in all states, I will argue that the theoretical possibility of a convention approving an amendment and not having a majority of the population approving is highly unlikely.

Given my analysis, I respectfully disagree with the previous writer’s suggestion that the Article V Convention be stopped. I will encourage all readers to review Article V of the U.S. Constitution and go online to learn about the Convention of States (what they support, and the status of the effort to actually convene a convention).

I believe the Convention of States is trying to add term limits for senators and representatives and a limit pay after being in service.

Lastly, I encourage all your readers to engage in civil discussion with each other. Please be respectful; don’t be a bully. People are not going to be swayed to your side of the debate when you bully them. If you’re not into loving your neighbor, try to respect your neighbor as yourself.

Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Godsey
Deltona