The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights, establishing such things as freedom of speech (unlike many countries), freedom of religion (unlike many countries), freedom of the Press (unlike many countries), freedom from illegal searches and seizures, the right to a speedy trial by jury, and the like. Later amendments abolished slavery, gave women the right to vote (1920), changed the terms for Presidents and the election of senators, etc.

Only one of the amendmends (the 18th abolishing liquor) was overturned by a later amendment. The system works.

One thing our government will not do is ratify a treaty that violates our Constitution. Just as you'd be mad if a treaty reestablished slavery or the death penalty in your country, we will not allow treaties to violate our rights as Americans. Any attempts to do so is just pissing up a rope.