Commentary In previous essays in the Defending the Constitution series, I’ve responded to “progressive” attacks on prominent terms in the document: equal representation in the Senate, denying D.C. statehood, and the Second Amendment, among others. But “progressives” also assail less prominent parts of the Constitution. For example, one liberal law professor reacted to the Origination Clause—requiring tax measures to be introduced first in the House rather than the Senate—with the question, “Why should anyone care?” Below are questions and answers addressing five of the Constitution’s less famous provisions—including the Origination Clause. Question: Why did the Constitution require approval of conventions in nine states to ratify the document? (Article VII). Why not all 13, as required by the Articles of Confederation? Or why not a mere majority of seven? Answer: As I explained in an earlier essay, the Articles of Confederation did not create a real government. It was a treaty …