What is an amendment?

An amendment is defined as a change to the Constitution. This process allows for the Constitution to be updated or clarified, reflecting the evolving values and needs of the society it governs. Amendments are significant because they can enhance civil rights, alter governmental structure, or address issues that arise over time.

The U.S. Constitution has a formal method for proposing and ratifying amendments. This process shows the importance of amendments as a mechanism for ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document that can effectively serve the American people.

In contrast, laws passed by Congress, court rulings, and pending bills serve different functions within the legislative and judicial systems of government. Laws are specific rules established by Congress, court rulings are interpretations of law made by the judiciary, and pending bills refer to proposed legislation that has not yet been passed. While all these elements are crucial to governance, an amendment specifically refers to a change to the Constitution itself.