Final answer:
The Enlightenment concepts most closely match the principles of the Constitution, emphasizing the consent of the governed and a system of checks and balances. The Constitution is amended formally through a legislative process and informally through interpretation and cultural changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The five main influences on the section of the Constitution are the Enlightenment concepts, studies of earlier republics, negotiations over state constitutions, John Locke’s ideas on unalienable rights, and the practical experiences of the framers in self-governance.
The Constitution can be amended both formally and informally, with formal amendments being additions or changes made to the actual text through a specific process involving congressional and state ratification.
A total of 27 formal amendments exist, including the Bill of Rights. Informal amendments occur through judicial interpretations, social and cultural shifts, and changes in the political process that shape how the Constitution is understood and applied.