What is the benefit of having legislation ratified in the form of an amendment? An amendment is protected under the U.S. Constitution. An amendment is quicker to pass than an act. An amendment can be changed if society shifts in the future.

The benefit of having legislation ratified in the form of an amendment is that it is protected under the U.S. Constitution. An amendment to the Constitution is a formal change or addition to the nation's fundamental governing document, and once ratified, it becomes part of the Constitution itself. This means that it has the highest legal authority, taking precedence over federal and state laws and even earlier constitutional provisions that may be in conflict with the amendment. Amendments are difficult to pass, requiring a significant consensus, as they must be approved by a supermajority in Congress (two-thirds of both the House and Representatives and the Senate) and then ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures (or by conventions in three-fourths of the states). This high threshold helps to ensure that only changes with broad support become permanent parts of the Constitution. Also, while amendments can be changed if society shifts in the future, this is also a rigorous process, ensuring stability and continuity in the legal framework of the country.

Extra: Amendments to the Constitution play a foundational role in United States law and governance. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the document. Since the Constitution's initial ratification, there have been 27 amendments, including significant changes like the abolition of slavery (13th Amendment), the guarantee of equal protection under the laws (14th Amendment), and the establishment of women's suffrage (19th Amendment). The amendment process, while difficult, serves as a means for the country to adapt its highest laws to changing social norms and political beliefs. However, the difficulty in passing amendments ensures that such changes are supported by a wide consensus and not subject to the volatile shifts that can accompany ordinary politics. This durability and reverence for the constitutional amendment process underscore the foundational principles of the U.S. government and the rule of law.