by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
Montanans don’t sit around waiting for someone else to clean up a mess. We fix our own fences, balance our checkbooks, and pitch in when things get tough. Today, the mess isn’t in our barns or backyards—it’s in Washington, D.C. And thankfully, the Constitution itself gives us the lawful, peaceful tool to fix it: Article V.
The Founders knew human nature. They understood that power corrupts, and that Congress would never willingly limit its own authority. So they wrote Article V into the Constitution: If two-thirds of state legislatures call for it, the states can propose amendments. And here’s the safeguard: nothing becomes added to the constitution to become law unless three-fourths of the states ratify it. That’s as high a bar as exists in our republic.
We Can’t Count on Congress to limit themselves. Washington has racked up $34 trillion in debt—more than $100,000 for every American. If a Montana home, or rancher or small business operated this way, they’d be bankrupt in no time. Yet Congress keeps spending as though there’s no tomorrow.
And it’s not just the money. Many in Congress have been there for decades, insulated from the people they’re supposed to serve. Instead of citizen-servants, we have career politicians who grow government, expand bureaucracy, and chip away at the rights of the people.
Does anyone here in the state really think Congress will vote for term limits on itself? Or stop its reckless spending spree? Of course not. That’s exactly why Article V exists.
Here’s what we do to take back control of our government: The Convention of States Resolution, already passed by 19 states, focuses on three practical reforms:
Term limits for federal officials, including Congress, to bring in fresh leadership and accountability. BAD congress people will be removed and good ones will be picked up by the government or corporations, or businesses. We don’t lose their wisdom and experience. What we lose is the corruption and the lazy, corrupt ones ignoring us citizens – think Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff.
Limits on federal power. We Montanans can stop bureaucrats from micromanaging how we run our schools, lands, and energy.
Fiscal restraints. We can put in a strong requirement that Congress balance the budget or they don’t get paid or can be recalled. Washington should live by the same rule as Montana families: don’t spend what you don’t have.
These aren’t radical ideas. They’re Montana values.
Opponents to the Constitution claim a convention could “run away.” This has been debunked many times as a lie. Do you really believe three-fourths of the country would ratify something extreme? That’s fear and emotional manipulation talking, not FACT.
Ask yourself: why would men who fought for liberty giving up their lives and fortunes to insert a time bomb into the Constitution? They didn’t!
They gave us a safety valve, designed for moments just like this—when Washington drifts too far from the people.
Here’s why WE MONTANANS MATTER:
Nineteen states are already on board. We need 34. Montana could be number 20. That matters, because history shows national movements succeed when independent, principled states lead the way.
By passing the ARticle V resolution, Montana would send a clear message to Washington and to the USA: no more blank checks, no more endless careers, no more power grabs at the expense of liberty.
This isn’t about partisanship. Both parties are guilty of overspending and clinging to power. This is about principle, moral judgement, and Montana values—restoring balance, protecting future generations, and using the constitutional tool we’ve been given.
Montana’s duty: support the Constitution
Montanans are practical people. When our house and barn roofs leaks, we don’t argue about it for years—we fix it. Article V is the hammer in our hands. All that remains is for us to use it.
No more excuses: Learn more at https://Articlevinfocenter.com and convention of states.com.
Then, call your state legislators and tell them Montana must join the movement. Sign the petition. Demand action. And if your representatives refuse, remember—you have the power to hold them accountable at the ballot box.
Do YOU have Montana values or not? Our Founders trusted us with this responsibility. Future generations are counting on us to meet it. Let’s rise to the occasion and make Montana the state that leads the charge to rein in Washington.