Final answer:
The decisions of the Supreme Court allow the Constitution to change with the times through judicial interpretation and the power of judicial review. Examples like Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade demonstrate how the Court's rulings adapt to changing social norms and can lead to debates about constitutional amendments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decisions of the Supreme Court allow the Constitution to change with the times through the process of judicial interpretation. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, which means it can examine laws and actions to determine if they are constitutional. When the Court makes a ruling on a specific case, it sets a precedent that can guide future decisions and shape the interpretation of the Constitution for modern times.
For example, in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision helped to end the practice of segregation and marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement. It showed how the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution can adapt to changing social and cultural norms.
Another way the decisions of the Supreme Court allow the Constitution to change with the times is through the process of constitutional amendments. While the Court cannot directly amend the Constitution, its rulings can lead to public and political pressure to amend or update certain provisions of the Constitution. For example, the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade in 1973, which recognized a woman's constitutional right to have an abortion, sparked ongoing debates and discussions about the interpretation and scope of the right to privacy.
Learn more about The impact of Supreme Court decisions on the changing interpretation of the Constitution