Question

Which is not an example of an informal amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Responses

Congress creates the system of committees and committee chairs.

Congress creates the system of committees and committee chairs.

In the late twentieth century, states ratify an amendment first circulated by James Madison in 1789.

In the late twentieth century, states ratify an amendment first circulated by James Madison in 1789.

The Supreme Court declares segregation constitutional in 1896 and then, in 1954, says it is unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court declares segregation constitutional in 1896 and then, in 1954, says it is unconstitutional.

The president sends military forces abroad without Congress declaring war.

Answer 1

"In the late twentieth century, states ratify an amendment first circulated by James Madison in 1789."

Reason: That describes the formal amendment process (the 27th Amendment was finally ratified in 1992), whereas the other options describe changes in practice or interpretation (congressional practices, presidential war powers, and Supreme Court reinterpretation), which are examples of informal amendment.