What is an amendment?

An amendment refers specifically to a change or addition to a constitution or legislative document. In the context of the United States, amendments are modifications made to the U.S. Constitution, providing crucial updates or adjustments that reflect the evolving values and circumstances of the nation. For instance, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, was added to ensure the protection of individual liberties and rights.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. A new law usually refers to legislation enacted by Congress or state legislatures, distinct from constitutional amendments. An election campaign is the process through which candidates seek to gain public support to be elected to office, and a treaty is a formal agreement between countries, requiring ratification by the Senate. Each of these plays a different role in governance and civic life, but none captures the definition of an amendment as effectively as the notion of altering or adding to the Constitution.