What is a change or addition to a constitution referred to?

An amendment is a formal change or addition made to a constitution or legal document. This process allows for the adjustment of existing laws or the introduction of new provisions to reflect changing societal values, norms, or necessities. The power to amend a constitution is a crucial aspect of legal frameworks, aimed at ensuring that the governing document remains relevant and effective over time.

In the context of constitutional law, amendments can serve various purposes, such as expanding civil rights, imposing limitations on government powers, or updating governance structures. The amendment process is often intentionally rigorous to ensure that only changes with widespread consensus are enacted, thereby preserving the stability and integrity of the constitution.

Other terms like reform, provision, and clause refer to different aspects of legal and constitutional language. A reform usually indicates a broader change in policy or law rather than a specific alteration to a constitutional text, while a provision refers to a specific clause or stipulation within the constitution. A clause is a distinct section within a document and does not denote a change or addition per se, but rather the specific text within a legal framework. Thus, amendment is the most accurate term for a change or addition to a constitution.