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constitutional amendment

constitutional amendment

43 5.1
An official change to the main written law of a country or organization
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl əˈmɛndmənt/
  • Formal
translation icon : enmienda constitucional
  • Congress faced a dilemma in choosing between a constitutional amendment and a legislative response.
  • propose a constitutional amendment
  • pass a constitutional amendment
  • approve a constitutional amendment

And that's why Steve and I should both sign on this constitutional amendment.

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Examples

  • There appears to be a consensus that a constitutional amendment is not the way to do so.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Congress passed a significant constitutional amendment that expanded voting rights for all citizens.

  • And our constitutional amendment process would require a vote in the House and Senate twice, with an election in between.

  • On 5 June, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a proposed constitutional amendment generally known as the Religious Freedom Amendment.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The United States enfranchised women with a constitutional amendment in 1920.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Eventually, enough free states would exist that a constitutional amendment abolishing slavery could be contemplated.

    Academic text (1999)
  • In late 1996, the Ghanaian Parliament adopted a constitutional amendment that recognized dual citizenship.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Republicans pushed through three landmark constitutional amendments, freeing the slaves, guaranteeing the right to vote, and securing equal rights under the law.

  • The proposal for a new constitutional amendment aims to protect the environment by ensuring sustainable practices.

  • Activists are advocating for a constitutional amendment to address issues related to campaign financing.

Synonyms

amendment
vsconstitutional amendment
963 3.9

A change made to a document or law to improve it

is a formal change limited to a country's or organization's fundamental law

Antonyms

repeal
  • Formal
61 5.5

An official ending of a law or rule

How Significant

constitutional amendment
  • Formal
43 5.1
amendment
963 3.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

constitutional + amendment

The phrase's meaning is directly derivable from its constituents: 'constitutional' (relating to a constitution) + 'amendment' (a modification) yields 'a change to the constitution'. This adjective+noun composition follows regular, cross-linguistically common patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand the MWE.

Etymology

Constitutional amendment comes from the simple image of writing a new rule into a country's basic book of laws: the constitution is the main set of rules, and an amendment is a written addition or change. That's why the phrase means 'an official change or addition' to the constitution.