Full Measure After Hours: Can a ‘Convention of States’ Dial Back Federal Overreach?
Release Date: July 17, 2025
In this insightful episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Cheryl Achison delves into the burgeoning Convention of States movement with its leader, Mark Meckler, president of Convention of States Action. Drawing from archival material, the conversation explores the movement's origins, objectives, bipartisan support, and the challenges it faces in redefining federalism in the United States.
1. Introduction to the Convention of States Movement
Cheryl Achison opens the discussion by introducing Mark Meckler and framing the Convention of States as a potential solution to federal overreach.
"The Convention of States idea as he described it, sounded really well thought out and really good. But stay tuned until the end because during my research I learned not only is there some bipartisan support for this idea, but there is also some bipartisan support against it."
[00:54] Cheryl Achison
2. Mark Meckler’s Background and the Tea Party Connection
Mark Meckler shares his journey from being an attorney specializing in Internet advertising law to becoming a pivotal figure in the Tea Party movement.
"Before I got involved in the Tea Party, I was an attorney... I stumbled into the Tea Party. I ended up founding Tea Party Patriots, which grew to be the largest Tea Party organization in the country."
[01:26] Mark Meckler
He highlights the Tea Party's core principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and fidelity to the Constitution, emphasizing its initial nonpartisan stance despite the majority of its membership leaning Republican.
"It stood for fiscal responsibility, free markets, and fidelity to the Constitution... The majority would be Republicans."
[02:14] Mark Meckler
3. The Rise and Decline of the Tea Party Movement
Mark discusses how the Tea Party significantly influenced the 2010 electoral swing, yet faced co-optation by the Republican Party and vilification by Democrats, leading to its decline.
"The Republicans co-opting it... the Democrats turning it into something terrible."
[03:17] Mark Meckler
He reflects on the movement's accomplishments in changing the political narrative and its long-term impact, including the election of figures like Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz.
"The long tail of the Tea Party movement was the election of Donald Trump."
[05:09] Mark Meckler
4. Transition to the Convention of States Movement
Frustrated by the limited impact of the Tea Party within Washington, Meckler sought a structural solution to federal overreach, leading to the Convention of States initiative in 2012.
"What we have is a structure problem. We've broken the structure of our system of governance, and if we don't repair that, it doesn't matter how many good people we send to DC."
[07:00] Mark Meckler
He details the early efforts of Citizens for Self Governance, including fundraising for grassroots groups and a successful class-action lawsuit against the IRS.
5. Understanding Article V and the Convention Process
Meckler provides a comprehensive explanation of Article V of the Constitution, outlining the two methods for amending the Constitution: congressional proposal and state-called conventions.
"Article 5 has two ways to amend the Constitution... the second clause of Article 5 gives states the power to call a convention to propose amendments."
[08:19] Mark Meckler
He clarifies the requirements for initiating a convention, including the need for two-thirds of the states to agree in advance on the subject matter.
6. Objectives and Proposed Amendments
The movement focuses on several key areas to limit federal power and restore state autonomy:
-
Term Limits: Imposing restrictions on the tenure of federal officials to prevent long-term entrenchment.
"We shouldn't have somebody in federal government position of power for 40 years. That's dangerous for us unelected."
[10:08] Mark Meckler -
Fiscal Restraints: Introducing balanced budget amendments, tax caps, and spending limits to ensure responsible federal finance.
"About 85% of the American public supports that."
[10:14] Mark Meckler -
Compliance with Accounting Standards: Mandating adherence to generally accepted accounting principles to enhance transparency in federal spending.
-
Limiting Federal Jurisdiction: Restricting federal government activities to those explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, returning responsibilities like environmental protection and education to the states.
"We should take that power away from Washington D.C. and give it back to the states to handle those things at home."
[11:27] Mark Meckler
7. Current Progress and State Support
As of the podcast's release, 19 states have passed resolutions supporting the Convention of States. Meckler is optimistic about reaching the required two-thirds threshold, highlighting nearing support from states like North Carolina.
"We're at 19 states. So past halfway we have 15 states to go... I think we're going to get that done."
[13:25] Mark Meckler
He notes an increasing number of Democratic sponsors, underscoring the nonpartisan nature of the proposals.
"One of our lead sponsors in Pennsylvania is a Democrat... it's really not a partisan thing."
[14:04] Mark Meckler
8. Bipartisan Appeal and Public Support
Meckler emphasizes that the movement's goals resonate across the political spectrum, tapping into widespread dissatisfaction with federal overreach and support for measures like balanced budgets.
"We're saying that the federal government does too much. Almost everybody agrees they do too much."
[14:14] Mark Meckler
9. Challenges and Optimism for the Future
Addressing potential skepticism, Meckler expresses confidence in the feasibility of the Convention of States and its necessity for the country's survival.
"I absolutely do. I think we're at a really serious inflection point in American history."
[15:05] Mark Meckler
He acknowledges concerns about enforcement post-amendment but believes the broad public support will compel adherence.
"Because it takes 38 states to ratify, it means the vast majority of the country are on board with it."
[17:01] Mark Meckler
10. Conclusion: A Call to Action
Cheryl Achison wraps up by highlighting the movement's broad support and the significant opposition it faces, including unexpected resistance from groups like the John Birch Society. She encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing debate surrounding the Convention of States.
"Both supporters and opponents are saying that this idea is not too far from becoming a reality."
[19:12] Cheryl Achison
Key Takeaways
- The Convention of States is a strategic effort to amend the Constitution by limiting federal powers and restoring state sovereignty.
- Mark Meckler, with a background in the Tea Party movement, leads this nonpartisan initiative aiming to gather support from a broad political spectrum.
- The movement has achieved significant milestones, including resolutions in 19 states, with hopes to reach the necessary two-thirds threshold.
- Challenges persist, including opposition from various political factions and concerns about the enforcement of new amendments.
- The success of this movement could redefine American federalism and address growing concerns over federal overreach.
Notable Quotes:
-
"Political movements that accomplish their purpose go away. And the ones that don't, I think they become a cancer in the system."
[04:07] Mark Meckler -
"The country's coming apart. We all acknowledge that. We all feel it."
[15:30] Mark Meckler -
"The single most politically muscular act in our entire system of governance is the passing and ratifying of an amendment."
[17:01] Mark Meckler
This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the Convention of States movement, presenting both its strategic framework and the passionate advocacy behind it. For listeners keen on understanding the dynamics of federalism and constitutional amendments in the U.S., this discussion provides valuable insights and a nuanced perspective on a critical political initiative.