How many amendments does the United States Constitution have?

The United States Constitution has 27 amendments, which collectively serve to modify and expand upon the original framework established in the Constitution. These amendments encompass a range of rights and governmental powers, with notable amendments including the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) that guarantee essential civil liberties, as well as later amendments that address issues such as voting rights, prohibition, and presidential term limits.

Over time, the process for amending the Constitution has been deliberately challenging, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures, ensuring that only significant changes achieve permanence. The 27 amendments reflect the evolving values and policies of American society and demonstrate the Constitution's ability to adapt while maintaining its foundational principles.