What is an amendment?

An amendment refers to a change or addition made to the Constitution. It serves to update or clarify the principles and laws that govern the United States, reflecting the evolving values and needs of society. The amendment process is outlined in Article V of the Constitution, which provides a mechanism for proposing and ratifying amendments, ensuring that they can be officially incorporated into the legal framework of the country.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe what an amendment is. A formal law abolishment pertains to the repeal of existing laws rather than the modification or addition to the Constitution. An interpretation of the Constitution involves the judicial branch explaining its meaning, which does not constitute a change or addition to the document itself. Lastly, a statement of rights can refer to the Bill of Rights, which is made up of the first ten amendments, but it does not encompass the broader concept of what an amendment is in terms of its purpose and function.