What is an amendment?

An amendment refers to a formal change or addition to the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land in the United States. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the document, allowing for necessary changes to reflect societal progress and shifts in values. Amendments enable the Constitution to adapt over time while maintaining its foundational principles.

For context, the Bill of Rights, while consisting of amendments, is not the definition of an amendment itself; it specifically refers to the first ten amendments that focus on the protection of individual rights. An interpretation of the law is more about judicial understanding rather than the addition or alteration of the written law. A section of government refers to different branches or departments established by the Constitution but does not pertain to the concept of amendments. Thus, defining an amendment as a change or addition to the Constitution accurately encapsulates its role and significance in the legal framework of the nation.