What is an amendment?

An amendment is defined as a change to the Constitution. Throughout U.S. history, amendments serve as formal alterations or additions to the Constitution, adjusting or clarifying existing laws and principles to reflect evolving social and political contexts. For instance, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, was introduced to ensure specific freedoms and rights for individuals and to limit government power.

This definition contrasts with other options. While protections under the law and new laws passed by Congress may involve legislative actions, they do not constitute a change to the foundational legal document of the country—the Constitution. Similarly, a presidential order refers to executive actions taken by the president but does not involve modifying the Constitution itself. Therefore, identifying an amendment as a change to the Constitution highlights its essential role in shaping and updating the nation's governing framework.