What is an amendment?

An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution that alters its content or structure. The United States Constitution includes a formal process for proposing and ratifying amendments, reflecting the founding fathers' intent to allow for the document to evolve over time. Each amendment addresses specific issues or concerns that arise, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant and responsive to the needs and values of society.

In the context of the Constitution, amendments serve to clarify rights, expand civil liberties, or adjust the framework of government in response to changing circumstances. For instance, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, was introduced to guarantee individual freedoms and legal protections.

The other choices describe different concepts related to governance but do not accurately define an amendment. A statement of purpose refers to an intention or aim, a conference of state leaders pertains to discussions among officials rather than legal changes, and a type of law typically signifies legislation rather than the specific contextual change that amendments represent. Thus, option B is the most precise and accurate definition of an amendment.