Purpose

This resolution asks the U.S. Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The convention would propose amendments aimed at imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and limiting the terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress. The overarching goal is to protect liberty and push back against federal overreach, including unfunded mandates.

Main Provisions

• The Minnesota Legislature memorializes Congress to call a convention of the states limited to proposing the specified amendments.
• The amendments to be proposed would:
  • impose fiscal restraints on the federal government,
  • limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and
  • limit the terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress.
• This is a continuing application under Article V, remaining in effect until two-thirds of the states have made applications on the same subject.
• It supersedes all previous Minnesota applications on the same subject.
• The Secretary of State must prepare copies of the memorial and transmit them to:
  • the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate,
  • the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives,
  • the presiding officers of the legislatures of the other states,
  • Minnesota’s Senators and Representatives in Congress.

Effects on Law and Policy

• Does not immediately change federal law. Instead, it initiates a formal, legal request from Minnesota to Congress to initiate a constitutional process.
• It signals Minnesota’s official policy and stance toward pursuing a constitutional convention and amendments, and it updates or replaces prior Minnesota applications on this subject.

Context and Key Concepts

• Article V of the U.S. Constitution: the method used to propose amendments via a convention of the states.
• Convention of the States: a proposed gathering of state legislatures to propose amendments.
• Fiscal restraints: limits on federal spending, debt, and overall fiscal actions.
• Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government: caps on what the federal government can do.
• Term limits: caps on how long federal officials and members of Congress can serve.
• Unfunded mandates: federal requirements placed on states without fully funded federal support.

Relevant Terms

• Article V
• Convention of the States
• Fiscal restraints
• Limit power and jurisdiction
• Term limits
• Unfunded mandates
• Continuing application
• Supersedes prior applications
• Secretary of State transmission duties