Megyn Kelly notes some flaws in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's constitutional convention plan

Megyn Kelly isnt convinced by Gov. Greg Abbott plan for constitutional convention
(Image credit: Fox News/YouTube)

Lots of people are skeptical of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's (R) proposal to call a convention of states to pass nine amendments to the U.S. Constitution in order to reassert state rights against the federal government. Under a never-used provision of Article 5 of the Constitution, 34 states may ask for a constitutional convention, and if 38 states back the proposed changes, the Constitution is so amended. Abbott's proposals include allowing a two-third majority of states to override federal laws and U.S. Supreme Court decisions, requiring a balanced budget from Congress, and prohibiting the federal government from regulating any activity "that occurs wholly within one state."

Among the skeptics are many Texas lawmakers, who would have to approve Abbott's plan, and Fox New host Megyn Kelly. Abbott told Kelly on Monday's Kelly File that the convention idea isn't really his plan, but one envisioned by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Ben Franklin. "Basically, what I'm calling for is not changing the Constitution, but instead returning the Constitution to the original principles that were enshrined in the Constitution itself," he insisted. "Like allowing a two-thirds majority of states to override a U.S. Supreme Court decision?" Kelly asked. "That was not in the spirit of the original."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.