James Madison arrived in Philadelphia 10 days early in May 1787 for what we call the Constitutional Convention. [FN22] He “began taking notes, many of which would form the basis for the Virginia Plan [FN23] with “a bold vision for a new government.” [FN24] 1/12

Several opponents of a national government w/greater powers than existed under the Articles of Confederation included Richard Henry Lee [FN25] and Patrick Henry, who said he “smelt a rat” in Philadelphia. [FN26] In that context, the rule of secrecy was “imperative 2/12

if the delegates, contrary to Congress’s mandate, were to consider drafting a new constitution. Had the public known what was occurring behind closed doors, the popular clamor would have immediately stopped the proceedings.” [FN27] After it was signed, 3/12

debates began on ratification. An objection noted the “doors were kept shut, and the members brought under the most solemn engagements of secrecy. Those who opposed their going so far beyond their powers, retired, hopeless...” [FN28] 4/12

Another noted the convention’s purpose was “amending the confederation ... not a word was said about destroying the old constitution and making a new one.” [FN29]
A move for an Article V convention, by one count, is four States away from 34: 5/12

“The Congress ... on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments...” [FN30] That means that, once the States meet the threshold of 34, Congress must call a convention. [FN31] 6/12

To look at why large corporations and billionaires want to re-write things their way, think about lawsuits that are being filed to stop data centers from being built w/o regard for the people living near those centers. Those lawsuits are based upon constitutional & legal grounds. 7/12

If the Constitution is tossed, grounds cited by groups trying to stop those centers simply will be erased. When billionaires rewrite the laws, they no longer have to care about you. 8/12

Footnotes:
FN22. David O Stewart, “The Summer of 1787,”(2007), p. 27.
FN23. Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese, “Signing Away Their Rights,” (2011), p. 166. 9/12

FN24. Richard Labunski, “James Madison and the Struggle for the Bill of Rights,” (2006), p. 15.
FN25. “Biographies,” Massachusetts Historical Society, accessed 5/26/25.
FN26. Stewart, p. 25. 10/12

FN27. John Ferling, “A Leap in the Dark,” (2003), p. 284.
FN28. “The Address and Reasons of Dissent of the Minority of the Convention of Pennsylvania to Their Constituents (December 18, 1787),” The Anti-Federalist Papers, (2003), p. 245. 11/12

FN29. “Letters from the Federalist Farmer, (October 8, 1787),” The Anti-Federalist Papers, (2003), p. 272.
FN30. U.S. Cont., Art. V.
FN31. Black’s Law Dictionary, New Pocket ed. (1996), p. 576. 12/12