What is an amendment?

An amendment refers specifically to a formal change or addition made to a legal document, in this case, the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution can be amended to reflect new laws or societal changes, and these amendments undergo a particular process that involves proposals and ratification.

The process of amending the Constitution allows for the evolution of the governing framework to accommodate the changing needs and values of society. Throughout American history, this has allowed for significant changes such as the abolition of slavery and the expansion of voting rights.

In contrast, the other options represent different forms of lawmakers' actions but do not pertain directly to the concept of an amendment in the context of the Constitution. A law passed by Congress, for instance, is legislation enacted by the federal legislative body but is not a change to the Constitution itself. A presidential decree refers to orders issued by the President that do not require congressional approval but also do not amend the Constitution. State legislation involves laws enacted at the state level, which operate independently of federal amendments. Each of these choices highlights different aspects of the legislative process without aligning with the definition of an amendment.