why is it important that the constitution be flexible?

Question

homework problem

Answer 1

Because as the country evolves, so do the needs of the people. When writing our constitution, the forefathers could never have foreseen things like the Internet, stem cell research, space travel etc.

Answer 2

The Constitution is not a flexible instrument, nor should it be. It details the powers that the people granted to the new government and specifically described what they allowed the federal gov't to do and what it could not do. Period. End of Story. The Constitution doesn't need to be flexible to accomodate the internet - what crap.

Yet, the politicians (yes, an unnamed group, but no conspiracy here) prefer to ignore its limitations, because they each have theuir own agenda they want to advance. That is what the Constitution was designed to prevent. Read a little history, people! Understand what was going on when we sent England packing and why we did it. Then you will completely understand each provision and what it was and is designed to do.

Your question reveals that you are being brainwashed. Don't buy in. Remain a critical thinker. Challenge the unstated assumptions.

Answer 3

Originally the Constitution had an amendment that said if this system of government was not working it would be in the best interest of the government to change it. However, greedy politicians added another amendment that says if you try to change the present Constitution you can be and will be jailed for treason.

Answer 4

Dear God, I hope that's not a legitimate question. the constitution must NOT be a flexible document. otherwise who knows what kind of garbage might be "interpreted" from it next. The pure genius that created this document made something so durable and thoughtful it is still relevent today.

Answer 5

So that it can always flex in the leftward direction.

I like most of ragman's answer. But I do not attribute "pure genius" to the Framers. We shouldn't revere them that much because the document isn't perfectly well-written.

Answer 6

Cause otherwise what they wrote 200 years ago wouldn't fit into the world today. And it's all about people's rights and if they carved it in stone then it would just be strict rules.

Answer 7

Like Bush said, "What Constitution? I use Musilax!"

Democracy is a fine idea until one is elected!!

Answer 8

so that as the country grows and evolves the contstitutional doctrine doesnt constrain that growth. There are many interesting facets of the contstitution and its amendments.