What is an amendment?

An amendment refers to a change or addition made to a legal document, specifically within the context of the Constitution. In the case of the U.S. Constitution, amendments can introduce new provisions, alter existing ones, or clarify the interpretation of rights and responsibilities as outlined in the original document. The process of amending the Constitution is intentionally rigorous to ensure that changes reflect a broad consensus across states and the populace, emphasizing the importance of stability and thorough consideration in constitutional law.

A well-known example is the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments that specify individual liberties and limitations on government power. Other amendments have extended civil rights, such as those abolishing slavery and granting women the right to vote, illustrating how amendments play a crucial role in the evolving interpretation of rights within the legal framework of the country.