27 Amendments Overview

There have been 27 amendments added to the Constitution since its ratification over 230 years ago. Each amendment has meant big changes to our system of government, and our nation as a whole.

Big Questions

How have constitutional amendments transformed the Constitution?

Which constitutional rights and principles did the American people write into the Constitution through the Article V amendment process?

What changes did various constitutional amendments make to the Structural Constitution?

Videos: Recorded Classes

27 Amendments in 27 Minutes
Introductory Session

Briefing Document

Download Via Google Docs

Slide Deck

Download Via Google Slides

Video: Constitution 101 Lecture

Constitution 101

Module 15: Article V and the 27 Amendments

More Resources

2022/2023 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2022-2023 Civic Calendar explores the 27 Amendments in 12 Months!

Amending the Constitution Featuring Justice Neil M. Gorsuch

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch discusses examples from history when “we the people” have pushed for constitutional amendments.

How a college term paper led to a constitutional amendment

The 27th Amendment is the most recent amendment to the Constitution, and its existence today can be traced to a college student who proposed the idea in a term paper and was given a C by his professor for the idea.