What is a constitutional amendment?

A constitutional amendment refers specifically to a formal change or addition to the U.S. Constitution. The process for amending the Constitution is established in Article V of the document itself and involves a stringent procedure, requiring significant consensus either through a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. This deliberate process underscores the importance and permanence of the Constitution, as amendments can adjust or expand the rights and structures outlined within it, reflecting the evolving values and needs of society.

In contrast, a legal case that challenges existing laws pertains to judicial processes rather than changes made to the Constitution itself. Such cases can interpret or challenge the application of laws but do not constitute amendments. Moreover, a document outlining the rights of citizens typically refers to specific amendments within the Constitution, like the Bill of Rights, rather than being synonymous with the act of amending the Constitution. Lastly, while a bill that must be passed by Congress is an important part of the legislative process, it does not entail any change to the Constitution unless it is specifically crafted and processed as an amendment. Thus, the definition of a constitutional amendment is unique to the idea of formally altering the foundational legal document of the United States.