VthePeople Conference
October 3, 2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
WCC; 2036 Milstein East ABC
VthePeople: Amending the Constitution Through an Article V Convention
October 2–3, 2026 · Wasserstein Hall
The Constitution can be amended two ways: by Congress, or by a convention called by the states. We have never tried the second.
Over two days at Harvard Law School, this conference convenes scholars, legislators, and advocates — supporters and skeptics alike, from across the political spectrum — to examine the questions that path raises. What role might a convention play in strengthening American democracy? Which amendments should be pursued? And can the Article V convention process be used responsibly, safely, and legitimately?
Open to all: advocates and organizers, public officials and practitioners, scholars and students, and the simply curious.
Register at vthepeople.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Opening Remarks
4:45–5:15 PM
Lawrence Lessig and Michael Farris
Keynote
5:15–6:00 PM
Jill Lepore
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Opening Remarks
9:00–9:30 AM
Lawrence Lessig and Michael Farris
Panel I — Origins: The History and Traditions of Article V
9:30–10:45 AM
Sanford Levinson, Michael Rappaport, Farah Peterson. Moderated by Richard Re.
Coffee & Conversation
10:50–11:10 AM
Lawrence Lessig interviews Joe Penland, Sr. and David Walker on grassroots Article V advocacy.
Panel II — The Grand Bargain: Substantive Amendment Proposals
11:15 AM–12:30 PM
David Walker, Jim Rubens, Nick Tomboulides, Michael Farris, Representative Alma Hernandez. Moderated by Guy-Uriel Charles.
Lunch & Fireside Chat
12:30–2:00 PM
Governor Chris Sununu and Lawrence Lessig
Panel III — The Case Against: Risks, Runaway Fears, and the ‘Dead Letter’ View
2:00–3:15 PM
Senator Russell Feingold, Viki Harrison, David Super, Wilfred Codrington III. Moderated by Stephen Sachs.
Panel IV — Blueprints: State Conventions and International Models
3:45–5:00 PM
Katrín Oddsdóttir, Imani Daniel, Richard Albert, Jane Suiter, David F. Guldenschuh. Moderated by Laura Weinrib.
Panel V — The Future: Imagining an Article V Convention in 2030
5:30–6:45 PM
Hélène Landemore, Alice Siu, Nicholas Coccoma, W. Bruce Lee, William Fruth. Moderated by Archon Fung.
Closing Remarks
6:45 PM
Lawrence Lessig and Michael Farris, ahead of dinner
In partnership with the Harvard Law School Journal on Legislation.
Full lineup, bios, and schedule: vthepeople.org
Questions: team@vthepeople.org