American Government
Chapter 3, Section 3 Informal Amendments
Name:
As you read Section 3, p. 79-83, complete the chart below by writing a brief definition of each
method of informal amendment shown, and by giving an example of each.
Informal Amendment:
BASIC LEGISLATION
1. Definition: ____________________________________________________________________
2. Example: _____________________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE ACTION
3. Definition: ____________________________________________________________________
4. Example: ______________________________________________________________________
COURT DECISIONS
5. Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
6. Example: ______________________________________________________________________
PARTY PRACTICES
7. Definition: ______________________________________________________________________
8. Example: _______________________________________________________________________
CUSTOM
9. Definition: ______________________________________________________________________
10. Example: ______________________________________________________________________
As you listen to the teacher discuss Informal Amendments, fill in the information
below.
Informal Amendments: Process by which over time, many changes have been made in the
Constitution which have not involved any changes to the written word.
1. BASIC LEGISLATION
Definition: Laws passed by the Congress
Example: _____________________________________________________________________
2. EXECUTIVE ACTION
Definition: The manner in which various Presidents have used their powers.
Example: ______________________________________________________________________
3. COURT DECISIONS
Definition: The interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court.
Example: ______________________________________________________________________
4. PARTY PRACTICES
Definition: Political Party practices have changed the way government conducts business.
Example: _______________________________________________________________________
5. CUSTOM
Definition: Actions by the government, that have not been written down but have been
followed for many years.
Example: ______________________________________________________________________
American Government – Applied
Chapter 3, Section 3 Informal Amendments
Name:
As you read Section 3, pages 79-82, complete the chart below by writing a brief definition of each
method of informal amendment shown, and by giving an example of each.
1. Basic
Legislation
2. Executive
Action
3. Court
Decisions
4. Party
Practices
5. Custom