What is the definition of an amendment?

An amendment specifically refers to a change or addition designed to improve, correct, or clarify a constitution or law. In the context of the United States Constitution, amendments are formal changes that alter the text of the Constitution itself. The amendment process is a critical aspect of constitutional law, allowing for adaptations to reflect the evolving values and needs of society.

The other options, while related to law and governance, do not accurately capture the essence of an amendment. A new law is a broader category and does not necessarily pertain to changes in the Constitution specifically. An interpretation of rights refers to how existing laws and amendments are understood and applied in practice rather than changes to the laws themselves. A court ruling is a decision made by a judicial body that interprets the law, but it does not involve altering the Constitution directly. Therefore, the definition of an amendment aligns precisely with the idea of making a change to the Constitution itself.