Essay: How to Hold a State Constitutional Convention in the Twenty-First Century

Although few states have held constitutional conventions in recent decades, there is renewed interest in holding state constitutional conventions in the twenty-first century. This Essay explains the author’s views on holding such a convention, based on her experience in Illinois and with a view toward a California convention. The author believes that the two keys to a successful convention in the twenty-first century are extensive preparation and transparency. Only with preparation can the delegates and staff of a convention draft a document worthy of adoption.

Only with great transparency of the process, especially in the Internet age, can the citizens be confident that the proposed constitution is truly "theirs." The author offers ten tips for holding a convention.