How many amendments are there in the U.S. Constitution?

The United States Constitution has a total of 27 amendments. These amendments have been added over time since the Constitution was ratified in 1788, with the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, adopted in 1791. The subsequent amendments address a variety of issues, including voting rights, presidential term limits, and changes to governmental processes.

Understanding the specific number of amendments is crucial, as it reflects the ongoing evolution of American law and society. The amendments serve to protect individual rights and adapt the Constitution to changing circumstances and values within the nation. The misconception of a different number, such as 25, 30, or 33, typically arises from confusion with other legislative measures or proposals that may not have been ratified, as well as from the historical context of amendments that have been proposed but not formally adopted.