Evaluate the view that there are more
strengths of the constitution than
weaknesses (30)
Theme One: amendment process
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
Aids to protect the principles of Constitution The lack of flexibility of the codified nature
– limits powers of government and retains of the US Constitution to pass laws
federalism- provides lotf of checks and regarding changing political, social and
balances as constitution is hard to economic circumstances is an issue as it
amendment. means it is hard to keep up to date with
changing times.
Evidence: Evidence:
Designed to limit the power of the Only 35 of bills are made into law.
president. President Trump described the Sandy Hook Primary School shotting in
checks as “archaic” when they frustrated 2011- “the right to bear arms” not
his attempts to govern the way he desired. amended.
Trumps wall
Explanation: Explanation:
This conveys how the amendment process Unable to update outdated provisions to fit
protects the Constitution by preventing ill- with changing political, social, and security
thought-out amendments from occurring. circumstances.
Analysis: Analysis:
Different to UK Constitution where major Different to UK Constitution which is
constitutional change is much easier since uncodified.
the government is much stronger than the Within one year of Dunblane school
federal government as they hold a majority shooting in Scotland in 1996 handguns were
to pass laws. This argument is significant as banned.
it stops fascist and radical bills that are Questions democratic legitimacy/principle
proposed from becoming law which protects of “majority rule’.
both the citizens and the constitution. Founding Fathers did not intend for the
process to be so difficult.
Polarisation in the US Constitution n(which
was not foreseen by the Founding Fathers)
makes supermajorities almost impossible to
achieve.
Mini Conclusion:
In situations where change is vital and required instantly, the US is unable yo pass
legislation or amend bills which is detrimental societally, politically, and on a security-
basis.
strengths of the constitution than
weaknesses (30)
Theme One: amendment process
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
Aids to protect the principles of Constitution The lack of flexibility of the codified nature
– limits powers of government and retains of the US Constitution to pass laws
federalism- provides lotf of checks and regarding changing political, social and
balances as constitution is hard to economic circumstances is an issue as it
amendment. means it is hard to keep up to date with
changing times.
Evidence: Evidence:
Designed to limit the power of the Only 35 of bills are made into law.
president. President Trump described the Sandy Hook Primary School shotting in
checks as “archaic” when they frustrated 2011- “the right to bear arms” not
his attempts to govern the way he desired. amended.
Trumps wall
Explanation: Explanation:
This conveys how the amendment process Unable to update outdated provisions to fit
protects the Constitution by preventing ill- with changing political, social, and security
thought-out amendments from occurring. circumstances.
Analysis: Analysis:
Different to UK Constitution where major Different to UK Constitution which is
constitutional change is much easier since uncodified.
the government is much stronger than the Within one year of Dunblane school
federal government as they hold a majority shooting in Scotland in 1996 handguns were
to pass laws. This argument is significant as banned.
it stops fascist and radical bills that are Questions democratic legitimacy/principle
proposed from becoming law which protects of “majority rule’.
both the citizens and the constitution. Founding Fathers did not intend for the
process to be so difficult.
Polarisation in the US Constitution n(which
was not foreseen by the Founding Fathers)
makes supermajorities almost impossible to
achieve.
Mini Conclusion:
In situations where change is vital and required instantly, the US is unable yo pass
legislation or amend bills which is detrimental societally, politically, and on a security-
basis.
