Why can it be said that U.S. Constitution is a "living document?"?

Answer 1

The reality of the Constitution is that it's only as good as the people who uphold it.

The country was founded as a republic, with the intent of being limited in scope. However, over the last 150 years, as more and more generations have become dependent upon expanding roles of government, it has become necessary to call the Constitution a "living document" so that the dependent majority can rationalize the complete alteration of our form of government and the intent behind it.

A republic is not compatible with the aspects of life people expect government to usurp now. And the generations who remember the difference between a republic and democracy have long been in their graves; contemporary Americans, including politicians, don't know any other way. Republic is a word in a history book, nothing more. The majority of Americans are now educated in government schools as well, so the cycle will only perpetuate itself -- would you expect a government educational system to advocate less government or to cover the founding era in serious depth with correct terminology? Factual accuracy in this realm wouldn't be in the self-serving interests of propaganda that is necessary for continually expanding government.

So the Constitution is a "living" document from the point of view of those who NEED it to be malleable, so that they can completely alter our system of government. In reality, the Constitution is fairly dead.

A similar mindset can conjure life (and thus inalienable rights) in a mere non-breathing piece of cloth (flag) as well.

Answer 2

The U.S. Constitution is a "living document" because it is open ended. It can be changed to suit the times. Prohibition is a good example of this. First hard liquor is banned, then that amendment to the Constitution was repealed by another amendment. It's a living document because it can grow and change, just like any other living thing.

Answer 3

the ability to change the Constitution is written within the Constitution itsself

so in a way it's a 'self-replicating', in essence, document - and it's just a catchy way of expressing the ability to augment parts of it

adding Constitutional Amendments - I'm sure you've heard that term

Answer 4

They say it is a living document because the people of the USA still live by the rules set down in it

Answer 5

Because it's a document we refer to- to this day, almost 225 years after it was written. A lot of laws & guidelines- are "dated" and obsolete after a certain number of years. But we still follow the words of our Constitution after all these years.

Answer 6

Because it still forms the basis of American law. It is still used as and referred to when making legal decisions. It also open to interpretation and can be ammended (changed). It is alive in the sense that it is still used and usable/adaptable. The Malleus Maleficarum on the other hand is not a living document.

Answer 7

Because it's actually an alien form of life in deep hibernation.

No, seriously. It's a living document because it's still subject to interpretation and amending. It's an ongoing process; it's not quite finished yet.

Answer 8

This is because that it is always evolving. From its creation to now, there has been many changes and many amendments. Because of this, it is said that the constitution changes as society changes, making it "living".

Answer 9

Because the constitution can be changed through the amendment process.

Answer 10

A living document, i've never seen one of those before!..