What is an amendment?

An amendment refers specifically to a formal change or addition proposed to a constitution or law. In the context of the United States, an amendment denotes a modification or alteration to the Constitution itself, which is the foundational legal document that outlines the framework of government and fundamental rights.

The process of amending the Constitution is deliberately challenging, ensuring that only significant changes are made following thorough debate and consensus. This reflects the importance of stability and careful consideration in the governance of the country. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, is an example of this process, establishing critical civil liberties and protections for individuals.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of law and governance without being defined as an amendment. Laws enacted by Congress are legislative acts but do not modify the Constitution itself. A Supreme Court decision interprets the law and can influence its application but does not constitute an amendment. Similarly, a state statute is a law at the state level and operates independently of federal constitutional amendments. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the specific nature of what constitutes an amendment in the constitutional sense.