Is the US Constitution rigid or flexible?

?
R: it has only had 27 successful amendments, and only 1 in the last 40 years.
E.g. 27th Amendment was ratified in '92. Compare with the UK which has had many amendments in the last 20 years.
1 of 6
R: there are entrenched provisions and a complex amendment process.
E.g. Equal Rights Amendment 1923. Many proposed amendments are controversial and the 2 main parties simply disagree on them. Also, in compare with the UK, which can simply just pass a statute law.
2 of 6
R: constitution 'worshipping' - Americans respect the Constitution and often treat it as an almost sacred document not to be meddled with.
E.g.the original document is on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Despite this, there have still been many unsuccessful proposed amendments. Also it means Americans tend to know the basics of the Constitution.
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R: the experience of the 18th and 21st amendments has made Congress careful not to amend the Constitution too rashly.
E.g. 18th and 21st amendments. There have still been many proposals for amendments, many very specific and controversial.
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F: the SC interprets the meaning of the Constitution at its discretion, meaning it can change what it means without calling for an amendment.
E.g. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka 1954, Roe v.Wade 1973. However the SC is politicised. Also it is unelected so much of its power can be seen as undemocratic.
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F: the 'elastic clause'
E.g.'necessary and proper'. However, even though this section is vague, many sections of the US Constitution are remarkably detailed - especially if compared with the uncodified and often conventions of the UK Constitution.
6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

E.g. Equal Rights Amendment 1923. Many proposed amendments are controversial and the 2 main parties simply disagree on them. Also, in compare with the UK, which can simply just pass a statute law.

Back

R: there are entrenched provisions and a complex amendment process.

Card 3

Front

E.g.the original document is on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Despite this, there have still been many unsuccessful proposed amendments. Also it means Americans tend to know the basics of the Constitution.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

E.g. 18th and 21st amendments. There have still been many proposals for amendments, many very specific and controversial.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

E.g. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka 1954, Roe v.Wade 1973. However the SC is politicised. Also it is unelected so much of its power can be seen as undemocratic.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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