What is an amendment?

An amendment is defined as a formal change or addition to the Constitution. This means that it alters the constitutional text or adds provisions to it, reflecting the evolving needs and values of society. The amendment process allows for the Constitution to adapt over time while ensuring that changes require substantial agreement, thus maintaining stability in governance.

In the context of U.S. government, the process for amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V, which requires significant consensus among states and Congress. This careful process highlights the importance of amendments as a means to ensure that fundamental rights and principles can be revised or extended, protecting democracy and citizen rights.

Other options relate to legislative processes but do not fit the specific definition of what an amendment is. While a new section of the Constitution might evoke the inclusion of amendments, it lacks the critical aspect of formality and legality that characterizes a true amendment process. Proposals for new laws and legislation passed by Congress are part of the law-making process but do not alter the foundational document itself, which is the Constitution.