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NCERTExplained - constitution as a living document

CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT

ARE CONSTITUTIONS STATIC?

Nature Of Constitutions

1.Time-Bound Context: Constitutions are drafted at a specific point in time, usually reflecting the concerns, problems, and aspirations of society at that moment.

2.Longevity: Despite the time-bound context, constitutions are meant to have longevity. They establish fundamental principles that are intended to guide a nation for years or even centuries.

Flexibility And Rigidity

1.Amendments: Most constitutions have provisions for amendments, recognising that change may become necessary. The ease or difficulty of amending a constitution can vary greatly from one nation to another.

2.Interpretation: Judicial interpretations, especially in common law systems like the United States and India, can update the constitution without formally amending it.

3.Constitutional Conventions: Unwritten practices and traditions can also play a role in adapting a constitution to changing circumstances.

The Indian Context

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