What is a constitutional amendment?

A constitutional amendment refers to a formal change or addition made to a constitution, specifically designed to update or improve the foundational laws governing a country. The process for amending a constitution typically requires a rigorous procedure to ensure that changes reflect the will of the people and maintain the integrity of the legal framework.

The other options do not accurately define a constitutional amendment. A rule established by a government may refer to regulations or laws but does not encompass the specific process of altering a constitution. A judicial ruling pertains to a decision made by a court regarding legal disputes and interpretations of existing laws rather than changing the laws themselves. Legislation refers to laws passed by a legislative body, which while important, do not equate to amendments in the constitutional sense. Therefore, the definition as a change or addition to the Constitution is the most precise and appropriate interpretation.