RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
Impact
If adopted, HJR104 would effectively nullify Alabama's historical applications to Congress for a constitutional convention, responding to evolving public opinion and legislative perspectives. The measure serves both as a withdrawal of prior legislative requests and a caution against the unknown consequences that could arise from attempting to amend the Constitution via a convention. Additionally, it calls upon other state legislatures with similar previous resolutions to reconsider their positions, thereby fostering a broader dialogue about state-level governance and the integrity of constitutional procedures.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 104 (HJR104) seeks to rescind all previous resolutions from the Alabama Legislature that requested Congress to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. The resolution reflects a growing concern regarding the potential implications and risks inherent in calling a convention, particularly with respect to the uncertainty of the outcomes and the fundamental changes it could impose on the U.S. government and constitutional framework. The resolution argues that a constitutional convention could lead to the drafting of a new constitution altogether, potentially endangering the rights and liberties currently afforded under the original document.
Contention
Debate surrounding HJR104 is steeped in historical context, particularly citing the Founding Fathers' apprehensions about the potential for a constitutional convention to spiral out of control. Prominent figures such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton expressed significant concerns regarding the risks associated with conventions, including the potential to introduce drastic changes to government operations and civil liberties. This symbolism underlines the resolution's core argument that removing Alabama's support for such conventions is a preventive measure to protect both state sovereignty and citizen rights.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.
Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.