From the Tea Party to the Convention of States

What this episode covers: Article V Convention of States and balanced budget amendment

Mark Meckler, co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots and president of Convention of States Action, joins Carrie Abbott to explain the Article V pathway for constitutional reform. They discuss targeted goals like a balanced budget amendment, term limits, and reining in federal jurisdiction. The conversation frames the Convention of States as a state-led, peaceful alternative to federal overreach and rising national debt.

How the Article V convention works and why it matters

The framers anticipated federal excess and provided a second method to amend the Constitution: a state-called convention requiring two-thirds of states to convene and a three-quarter state ratification threshold to enact amendments. Meckler explains the step-by-step process and why states are necessary to restore constitutional limits, including specific long-tail aims such as removing federal control over education, healthcare, and energy.

Fiscal policy focus: balanced budget, debt per citizen, and generational impact

The episode translates macro fiscal numbers—currently tens of trillions in national debt—into concrete consequences: a per-citizen debt burden and reduced prosperity for children and grandchildren. Meckler frames the debt as a moral issue and a form of intergenerational financial servitude, making the argument for constitutional guardrails like spending caps and fiscal restraints.

Grassroots playbook: state lobbying, civic training, and local activism

Listeners learn practical next steps: organize grassroots campaigns in all 50 states, lobby state legislators, and use educational resources to demystify the legislative process. Meckler emphasizes training volunteers to engage in their state capitols, showing how citizens can move from frustration to effective civic influence.

Accountability, culture, and the role of faith in public life

Beyond policy, the interview explores government accountability through Meckler’s class-action lawsuit against the IRS and the cultural influence of faith on leadership. The conversation highlights how faith communities have propelled civic involvement and how media-savvy appointments help communicate policy wins to the broader public.

Actionable resources and where to learn more

• Visit Convention of States Foundation or conventionofstates.com to access state-by-state guides.
• Train as a grassroots lobbyist, learn legislative procedures, and join local teams.
• Follow Mark Meckler on social media for updates on Article V strategy.

This episode gives listeners both the constitutional context and a practical roadmap to influence federal power from the state level, pairing civic strategy with ethical and faith-based motivation.