What is the definition of an amendment?

An amendment is defined specifically as a change or addition to the Constitution. This reflects the formal process by which the Constitution can be altered or updated to reflect new realities, values, or political necessities. The framers of the Constitution designed this process to ensure that the Constitution could evolve over time while maintaining a stable framework for governance.

Amendments can address a wide range of issues, from civil rights to the mechanics of government, and they require a significant consensus for adoption, demonstrating their importance in the legal and political landscape of the United States. Each amendment represents a considered response to societal needs or political challenges, making it a critical aspect of constitutional law.

The other choices do not accurately represent the term "amendment." A law that must be obeyed, while important in governance, refers to enacted legislation rather than a constitutional alteration. A section of the Declaration of Independence pertains to an entirely different historical document with its own significance. Lastly, a court ruling on a constitutional issue involves judicial interpretation rather than a change to the Constitution itself. Thus, the definition of an amendment as a change or addition to the Constitution is both precise and foundational in understanding U.S. legal principles.