Question

The Constitution established a national government distinguished by federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and bicameralism. It divided power and created conflicting institutions—between three branches of government, across two chambers of the legislature, and between national and state levels. While the structure it created remains the same, the Constitution has been changed by amendments, interpretation, new practices, and intermediary institutions. Thus the Constitution operates in a system that is democratic far beyond the founders’ expectations.

True or False

Answer 1

Answer: True

Explanation: The Constitution has been transformed in the centuries since 1787. Amendments have vastly increased civil liberties and rights. Interpretations of its meaing by all three branches of government have taken the Constitution into areas not imagined by the founders. New practices have been inserted onto the Constitution’s ancient procedures.

Many crucial clauses of the Constitution today are in the amendments. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments ratified by the states in 1791, defines civil liberties to which individuals are entitled.