What is an amendment in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

In the context of the U.S. Constitution, an amendment refers to a change or addition that alters the text or provisions of the Constitution itself. The Constitution was designed to be a living document, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to meet the needs and values of a changing society. This adaptability is most clearly exemplified through the amendment process, which is outlined in Article V of the Constitution.

When amendments are proposed and ratified, they serve to enhance or clarify rights, responsibilities, or governmental structures. For example, the Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments, added crucial protections for individual liberties and rights. Thus, referring to an amendment as a change or addition accurately captures its intended purpose within the constitutional framework.

Other options do not correctly represent what an amendment is. A complete rewrite of the Constitution would be a new document altogether, rather than a modification of the existing one. A law passed by Congress does not constitute an amendment, as laws might govern specific issues but do not alter the fundamental framework of the Constitution. Lastly, a Supreme Court ruling interprets and applies the Constitution but does not modify the text itself; instead, it seeks to uphold or clarify existing constitutional provisions.