Amendment
A formal change made to a law, contract, or constitution
Real World Example
In history, amendments to the U.S. Constitution allowed for essential changes and improvements to the original document, addressing issues like individual rights and government power. For instance, the Bill of Rights, which includes the first ten amendments, was crucial in guaranteeing freedoms like speech and religion, responding to the fear of government overreach. This process of amending the Constitution was important because it provided a way to adapt and improve laws as society evolved. Today, amendments still matter because they ensure that our laws remain relevant and protect our rights. For example, the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, affects millions of people's lives and allows for a more inclusive and representative government.