U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
A historian is explaining how the U.S. Constitution has evolved since its ratification. He mentions that while the written document has been formally amended 27 times, many changes have occurred through custom, tradition, and judicial interpretation. What is this type of constitutional change called?
- AJudicial Precedent
- BInformal Constitutional Change
- CFormal Amendment Process
- DLegislative Override
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Informal Constitutional Change
Informal constitutional change refers to the process by which the meaning and application of the Constitution change over time without any formal amendment to the written document. This includes changes through judicial interpretation, political practices, custom, and tradition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Judicial precedent is one method of informal change, but not the overarching term for all informal changes.
- C. Formal amendment involves the specific, written process outlined in Article V.
- D. Legislative override refers to Congress's power to pass a bill over a presidential veto.
Informal Constitutional Change
The process by which the meaning and application of the U.S. Constitution evolve over time without formal amendment to the written document, primarily through judicial interpretation, political practices, and custom.
- Changes the Constitution's meaning without altering its text.
- Occurs through judicial review, political custom, and tradition.
- Complements formal amendment process.
Memory trick: Informal changes are like 'in'-direct tweaks, not written in the books.