Unwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms

Unwritten rules, or norms and traditions, play a significant role in the functioning of the U.S. Constitution. These practices complement the written text and help guide the interpretation and implementation of constitutional principles. For example, the tradition of judicial review, established by the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison, is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but has become a cornerstone of American law. Similarly, the unwritten rule of senatorial courtesy affects how the Senate confirms presidential nominations, highlighting the importance of these informal guidelines in the constitutional framework.