What is an amendment?

An amendment refers specifically to a formal change or addition made to the Constitution. It represents a way to modify the foundational legal document of a country, allowing for adjustments that reflect changing values, beliefs, or understandings within society. In the United States, for example, the Constitution has been amended multiple times since its ratification, with the first ten amendments collectively known as the Bill of Rights.

The process of creating an amendment involves a rigorous procedure, requiring significant consensus, which underscores its importance and the weight it carries in shaping governance and civil rights. While revisions of laws or proposals made by Congress may also influence how a government operates, they do not have the same legal significance as amendments to the Constitution. The distinction is crucial for understanding the hierarchy and permanence of legal changes in the context of constitutional law.