Going through the more formal, restricted
process of proposing a specific Amendment that must be introduced in Congress, be passed by 2/3 majorities in both houses, and then be ratified by the required number
of states (3/4, which would still have to
approve amendments from a convention,
as well) seems doomed to fail in this current period
of hyper - partisanship and gridlock, but the alternative
of calling a Constitutional Convention is so broad that it can easily have unexpected
results, in the opposite direction that those originally organizing had hoped for.
In addition,
as the UN Special Rapporteur on Treaties has noted, the
process has much to offer such
as: The creation
of new juridical standards negotiated and
approved by all parties The building
of mutual trust based on good faith Mutual understanding
of the other party's vital interests, and A deep commitment from all to respect the eventual
results of the negotiations.