1. Informal Procedures to Change the Constitution

2. 1. Basic Legislation Laws that refine or define words in the Constitution.Laws that refine or define words in the Constitution. Examples:Examples: Article III, Section 1, Constitution provides for one Supreme Court and others courts set up by CongressArticle III, Section 1, Constitution provides for one Supreme Court and others courts set up by Congress Who becomes president if Pres. And V.P Die?Who becomes president if Pres. And V.P Die? Congress DecidesCongress Decides

3. 2. Executive Action When the president acts without Congressional approvalWhen the president acts without Congressional approval ExamplesExamples When a president makes war without Congress OK.When a president makes war without Congress OK. Executive agreement – between Pres. And foreign leaderExecutive agreement – between Pres. And foreign leader Gulf War 1991

4. 3. Court Decisions Using court cases to interpret the ConstitutionUsing court cases to interpret the Constitution ExamplesExamples Marbury V. Madison, 1803Marbury V. Madison, 1803 The Supreme Court has the power to declare a law unconstitutionalThe Supreme Court has the power to declare a law unconstitutional

5. 4. Party Practices Using the practices of political parties to change the ConstitutionUsing the practices of political parties to change the Constitution Examples:Examples: Nominating Presidential candidates at national conventionsNominating Presidential candidates at national conventions Democratic/Republi can NomineesDemocratic/Republi can Nominees

6. 5. Custom Upholding long-held customs as Constitutional necessityUpholding long-held customs as Constitutional necessity Examples:Examples: The Presidents Cabinet (15 People)The Presidents Cabinet (15 People) V.P. to become Prez when prez dies.V.P. to become Prez when prez dies.

7. An informal amendment can be established by A. Actions taken by the PresidentA. Actions taken by the President B. CustomB. Custom C. Key decisions made by the Supreme CourtC. Key decisions made by the Supreme Court D. All of the AboveD. All of the Above