Hoosier State Today

As the Indiana legislature moves forward with SJR 21, a resolution advocating for an Article V Constitutional Convention to establish federal term limits, Common Cause Indiana and other democratic groups are raising concerns about potential risks. An Article V convention is one of two methods to amend the U.S. Constitution, but its implications remain uncertain. While legislators may intend to focus solely on term limits, there is no assurance that any convention would adhere strictly to this topic.

Indiana lawmakers do not currently operate under term limits, making it questionable for them to impose such a reform before requiring Congress to adopt it. Julia Vaughn, Executive Director of Common Cause Indiana, expressed concern: “The last time a constitutional convention was called, the delegates ripped up our country’s governing document and came up with something entirely new. Because of that, an Article V convention is a dangerous threat to all Americans’ constitutional rights and civil liberties."

Vaughn further emphasized the inability to restrict a convention's scope: "Because there is no way to limit a convention’s focus, any Constitutional issue could be brought up, including freedom of speech, civil rights and civil liberties, voting rights, privacy rights, among others." She urged legislators to dismiss what she termed as "this reckless attempt" which could endanger the U.S. Constitution.

Over 230 organizations oppose using this method for amending the Constitution. This includes Common Cause. Additionally, in 2016 Indiana passed a Convention of States Article V resolution; thus SJR 21 may be seen as redundant for its intended purpose.