Importance of Formal Amendments and Informal Changes to the Constitution

Do you think informal changes to the Constitution are as important as formal amendments? Why or why not?

1. Are informal changes to the Constitution as significant as formal amendments?

2. How do informal changes impact the interpretation and application of the Constitution?

Answer:

Formal amendments to the Constitution follow an established process, while informal changes can still have significant impacts. An example of an informal change is the concept of judicial review.

Formal amendments to the Constitution are official changes made through the established process outlined in Article V. These changes go through a specific process involving Congress and the states, making them more powerful and binding.

On the other hand, informal changes refer to changes that occur without going through the formal amendment process. While they may not have the same level of authority as formal amendments, they can still shape the interpretation and application of the Constitution.

One example of an informal change is the concept of judicial review. This gives the courts the power to interpret the Constitution and declare laws or actions unconstitutional. While not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, this concept was established through the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803.

Overall, while formal amendments directly change the Constitution, informal changes play a crucial role in shaping its interpretation and impact on society. Both types of changes are important in their own right and contribute to the evolution of the Constitution over time.