Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation, America's first Constitution, was flawed due to a weak central government and was replaced by the stronger U.S. Constitution, which included the Bill of Rights. This new framework has been amended both formally and informally over time, highlighting its dynamic nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first Constitution, known as the Articles of Confederation, had several issues. It created a weak central government, unable to levy taxes or regulate trade effectively, leading to economic difficulties and a lack of cohesion among the states. In response, delegates met at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and decided to draft a new Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with powers like taxation and regulation of interstate commerce.
To address the concerns that the new Constitution might overpower individual liberties, the Framers added the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, establishing fundamental rights and freedoms. Over the years, the Constitution has been both formally amended, through the amendment process outlined in Article V, and informally, through interpretations by the judiciary and practices of governmental institutions, reflecting its nature as a "living document".