constitutional convention

The South Carolina Senate has approved a proposal that would add the state to a list of states calling for a convention to propose specific amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The 27-13 vote Wednesday by the Senate gave key approval to the proposal that supporters said would limit the convention to a few items. Those include spending checks on the federal government, limiting the federal government's jurisdiction and power, and setting term limits for Congress. Opponents, including two Republicans, said a convention couldn't be limited and could make sweeping changes to the Constitution. Nearly 20 states have passed similar measures. The U.S. Constitution requires two-thirds of states, or 34, to call for the convention.