How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution contain?

The U.S. Constitution contains 27 amendments, which have been ratified since the Constitution was originally adopted in 1788. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791, and they outline fundamental rights and protections for individuals. Subsequent amendments have addressed a range of issues, including civil rights, voting rights, and changes to government procedures.

The process for amending the Constitution is deliberately rigorous, requiring either a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. This process ensures that amendments are carefully considered and widely accepted, contributing to the stability and longevity of the Constitution as the framework of the U.S. government.

While some options suggest a higher or lower number of amendments, none accurately reflects the current count established through this historic process.