1) What are the three main ways that the Constitution has been changed over time? (See the PPT if you’re unsure)

Question

2) If there is a challenge to how Congress has interpreted the Constitution, which entity has the power to determine if Congress has interpreted the Constitution correctly?

Answer 1

1. The three main ways that the Constitution has been changed over time are:

   • Formal Amendments: This process involves officially adding amendments to the Constitution. It requires a specific procedure outlined in Article V, which typically involves a proposal by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

   • Judicial Interpretation: The courts, particularly the Supreme Court, interpret the Constitution through their rulings. These interpretations can redefine the meaning and application of constitutional provisions without formally amending the document.

   • Custom and Usage: Over time, certain practices and traditions have developed that, while not formally written in the Constitution, have become accepted norms that affect how the government operates. These unwritten customs can influence the functioning of government and constitutional interpretation.

2. If there is a challenge to how Congress has interpreted the Constitution, the entity that has the power to determine if Congress has interpreted the Constitution correctly is the Judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the authority to interpret the Constitution and can review congressional actions to determine their constitutionality.