Final answer:
The amendment process gives flexibility to the Constitution, allowing it to be a 'living document' that changes with societal needs while maintaining its core principles. This adaptable nature contributes to the Constitution's longevity and relevance in the governance of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that gives flexibility to the Constitution and illustrates the idea that it is a 'living document' is a) The amendment process. The ability to amend the Constitution ensures that it can adapt to changing societal needs and values over time. The amendment process, as outlined in Article V of the Constitution, has been utilized 27 times to make significant changes, including the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, which protect individual freedoms. This process has remained deliberately challenging to prevent frequent, hasty alterations while still allowing for necessary evolution in our governing document.
The concept of the Constitution as a 'living document' is integral to the governance of the United States. It allows the nation to respond and adapt to new circumstances without losing the foundational principles set forth by the Founding Fathers. This balance between stability and flexibility has helped maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the Constitution for over two centuries.