A LIVING CONSTITUTION

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A LIVING CONSTITUTION
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Why is the Constitution called a living
document?
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Amendment

• Any change to the Constitution

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Amendment Process

• Proposal
• - By a 2/3 vote in Congress
• - Or by a national convention
• Ratification
• - By ¾ of the states by a vote in each
  legislatures
• - Or by calling special state conventions

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• Expressed powers
• Powers specifically listed in the Constitution
• Implied powers
• Congressional powers not stated specifically in
  the Constitution but suggested by the
  Constitutions necessary and proper clause
• Necessary and proper clause
• Congress has the power to make all laws which
  shall be necessary and proper to carry out its
  duties.

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Interpreting the Constitution

• Loose interpretation
• Congress should be allowed to make any laws not
  forbidden by the Constitution.
• Strict interpretation
• Congress should only be able to make the kinds of
  laws that the Constitution mentions.