Final answer:
Amendments allow the U.S. Constitution to evolve by changing as new societal needs arise, ensuring the document remains effective and relevant through a carefully designed process requiring significant consensus at the federal and state levels. Option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of amendments to allow the U.S. Constitution to evolve alongside the country is specifically designed to address the fact that new needs arise as society progresses. The amendment process outlined in Article V of the Constitution ensures that this living document can adapt over time to meet the changing values, challenges, and necessities of the nation.
The ability to amend the Constitution enables it to remain relevant and effective, reflecting the needs of the people while still maintaining the core foundational principles of American governance. For example, amendments have been necessary to end slavery, ensure women's suffrage, set presidential term limits, and secure direct election of senators.
However, amending the Constitution is not an easy task; it requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress or by two-thirds of state legislatures to propose an amendment, and then it must be ratified by three-quarters of the state legislatures. This rigorous process maintains the document's stability and prevents frequent and potentially frivolous changes.
Overall, the correct option that explains why amendments are important for the Constitution to evolve along with the country is: "It allows the Constitution to be changed as new needs arise."