Amendments to the Constitution are changes or additions made to the original text of the United States Constitution. The Founding Fathers designed this process to allow the Constitution to adapt and remain relevant to the changing needs and values of the nation. The amendments aim to protect individual liberties, address societal issues, and enhance the framework of government.
There are currently 27 amendments to the Constitution, with the first ten known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. Other notable amendments include the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the 26th Amendment lowering the voting age to 18.
To amend the Constitution, two-thirds of both houses of Congress or two-thirds of the state legislatures need to propose an amendment. Then, three-fourths of the states must ratify it before it becomes a part of the Constitution. The amendment process reflects the nation's commitment to democratic principles and ensures that the Constitution remains a living document that can adapt to the evolving needs of the American people.