What happens when an amendment is ratified?

When an amendment is ratified, it becomes part of the Constitution, which is a foundational document that outlines the structure of government and the rights of citizens in the United States. The process of ratification involves both Congress proposing the amendment and then the states voting to accept it. Once a sufficient number of states ratify the amendment, it is officially incorporated into the Constitution. This effectively updates the governing framework to reflect the new legal standards or changes that the amendment represents.

This process is distinct from the other options provided. For instance, while a law may be enacted after being passed by Congress and signed by the President, an amendment specifically modifies the Constitution itself rather than existing as standalone legislation. The Supreme Court may review amendments and their implications, but this occurs after they are ratified, not as part of the ratification process. Sending an amendment to the President for approval is not part of the constitutional amendment process, as the President does not play a role in ratification; it is purely a matter for the states and Congress. Thus, the correct outcome of ratification is that the amendment is added to the Constitution.