What five ways has the constitution been changed other than by formal amendment?

The only way amendments can be formally changed is through the process of amendment. However, there are five ways amendments can change by means other than formal amendment.

1. Executive action: this is when a strong executive bends or breaks constitutional law, and the other branches of government largely turns a blind eye, allowing the action to be carried out. The argument generally used is that the constitution doesn't specifically forbid said actions.

2. Legislation: Congress can pass laws which "clarify" the meaning of constitutional provisions. They are also responsible for really defining the substance of the institutions which the constitution provides for.

3. Court Decisions: Decisions of the supreme court decisions set a precedent for future interpretations of the constitution.

4.Party Practices: Political parties create a number of political structures completely unmentioned in the constitution. These include a partisan electoral college, and primary intra-party elections.

5. Custom: Customs and practices can form which are not really provided for by the constitution.