What can change the U.S. Constitution?

Answer 1

There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally. There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the “elastic clause” because it “stretches” the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered “necessary and proper” for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President’s Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects. The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.