Unwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms

Unwritten rules, or norms and traditions, are important to understanding how the government operates alongside the Constitution. These unwritten rules shape the behavior of politicians and government officials.

For example, the practice of a president serving only two terms, which was followed before it became law in the 22nd Amendment, is an unwritten rule that helped maintain a balance of power. Recognizing these unwritten norms allows us to see how they influence governance.