The Constitution "a living document"

Four Main ways the Constitution Changes

1. Through Amendments 2.Through Interpretation 3.By Practice 4.Through vagueness

Changes to the Constitution through Interpretation

Changes made with Judicial interpretation - change the meaning of the words Example: Plessy vs Ferguson - Racial segregation

Changes to the Constitution through Vagueness

Many things in the Constitution are vague and uncertain. Example: The Congress can make any law that is deemed necessary and proper for the United States. What exactly it means by necessary and proper??

Changes to the Constitution through Amendments

The words are literally changed. Take words out, add new words or both. Changes to the constitution change the political system and society.

Changes to the Constitution through Practice

We either do new things or start doing things differently. Example: Power to declare War. Constitution states the Congress and only the Congress can declare war. But today it appears the president has the power to do so.

Why the Constitution is a living document

because it changes