An "amendment" is a formal change or addition made to a legal document, such as a constitution or law. In the context of the United States, amendments are changes to the U.S. Constitution that can alter its provisions or add new rights. The process typically requires approval from both Congress and the states. Amendments serve to adapt laws to changing societal needs and values. For example, the Bill of Rights includes the first ten amendments, which guarantee essential freedoms like speech and religion. Amendments can reflect shifts in public opinion and help ensure that laws remain relevant over time.