Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, making it the correct answer to the question. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment officially ended the institution of slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Its passage marked a significant turning point in American history, particularly following the Civil War, as it aimed to ensure freedom for formerly enslaved individuals and laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements.

Understanding the 13th Amendment also provides context for the other amendments listed. The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, focuses on the Electoral College and the procedures for electing the President and Vice President. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, guarantees citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, addressing issues of inequality faced by formerly enslaved people but does not directly address slavery itself. The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, protects the voting rights of citizens regardless of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude," but it also does not abolish slavery. Each of these amendments played a crucial role in shaping civil rights in the U.S., yet it is the 13th Amendment that specifically ended slavery.