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

The U.S. Constitution has a total of twenty-seven amendments. These amendments are crucial as they outline the rights of individuals, the limitations of government power, and various procedural aspects of governance. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 and serve to protect individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Subsequent amendments have addressed a range of significant issues, including the abolition of slavery, the right to vote, and changes in presidential election procedures. Understanding that there are twenty-seven amendments helps contextualize the evolving nature of American rights and governance over time.