A constitution is considered to be flexible if it _______?

Analyze the question: The question asks what makes a constitution flexible. The key word is "flexible", which means easy to change or bend.

Explain the concept:

• A flexible constitution is one that can be amended in the same way as ordinary laws, usually by a simple majority vote in the legislature, with no special procedure. The British constitution is the classic example.
• A rigid constitution is one that is difficult to amend. It needs a special procedure, such as a two-thirds majority in the legislature, approval by state legislatures, or a referendum. The Nigerian constitution is an example, since amendments need a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Can be amended by a simple majority. This is correct. Easy amendment through the ordinary law-making process is the defining feature of flexibility.
• B. Can be altered through special procedure. A special procedure is a feature of a rigid constitution.
• C. Requires two-thirds majority. This is a higher threshold than a simple majority, so it describes a rigid constitution.
• D. Is difficult to amend. This is the definition of rigidity, the opposite of flexibility.

Answer: A. A constitution is flexible if it can be amended by a simple majority.

Exam tip: Link the words to the idea. Flexible means easy, so think ordinary or simple majority. Rigid means hard, so think special procedure, two-thirds majority or a referendum. If an option mentions "special", "difficult" or "two-thirds", it points to rigidity.