How many amendments are there in the United States Constitution?

The United States Constitution contains twenty-seven amendments. The amendments serve to outline the rights of individuals and limit the powers of government, reflecting the changes and evolving interpretation of constitutional law over time. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 and specifically address individual liberties and protections. Subsequent amendments have addressed a variety of issues, including voting rights, presidential succession, and the abolition of slavery. The process for amending the Constitution is deliberately rigorous, requiring significant political consensus, which is why, despite being over two centuries old, the number of amendments has remained relatively low compared to most other nations' constitutions.