Flexible constitution
Topic: Amendment of the Constitution and the Basic Structure · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 9 "Constitution as a Living Document"
Meaning
A flexible constitution is one that can be changed the same way as an ordinary law. No special majority or extra step is needed. Britain is the usual example, because its Parliament can change basic rules by passing a normal law. Such a constitution adapts easily, but a passing majority can also change it easily.
Example
In Britain, Parliament can change a basic rule of government with an ordinary Act. India is only partly like this. Under Arts. 2-4, India's Parliament can create a new state or change state boundaries by an ordinary law passed by simple majority (more than half of those present and voting). Most other parts of India's Constitution need a harder procedure.
Don't confuse with
- Rigid constitution: it needs a special, harder procedure to amend, such as the US rule of two-thirds of Congress plus three-fourths of the states.
- Constitution as a living document: this is about a constitution adapting through amendment and court interpretation. It does not mean the constitution is easy to amend.