Final answer:
The U.S. Constitution is flexible due to its amendment process and the evolving interpretation by the judiciary, which allows it to adapt to contemporary issues and extend liberties in a changing society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of the Constitution that permit it to "change with the times" are mainly its inherent flexibility and the provision for amendments. This adaptability is crucial as it has allowed the Constitution to remain relevant for over two centuries. One prominent example is the addition of 17 amendments since the original ten in the Bill of Rights. Issues like women's rights, flag desecration, and electoral reform show that the Constitution can address contemporary concerns. However, amending the Constitution is intentionally challenging, preserving its stability.
Another aspect that makes the Constitution adaptable is judicial interpretation. Contemporary issues such as gay rights or health care policies are viewed through the lens of the Constitution, which is then applied accordingly to modern society. This view of the Constitution as a "living document" invites varying interpretations, making it an ever-evolving foundation of law.
Finally, the Constitution has the ability to extend the "blessings of liberty" through various means such as creating new laws or through court decisions. This flexibility makes it both agile in changing societal norms and steadfast in maintaining fundamental rights.