What constitutional amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is the crucial piece of legislation that abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, it marks a significant turning point in American history, as it formally ended the institution of slavery, ensuring that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude could exist within the country, except as a punishment for a crime. This amendment was a central part of the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, aimed at establishing equal rights for all individuals and addressing the moral and ethical implications of slavery that had existed prior to this amendment.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned are unrelated to the abolition of slavery. The Fifteenth Amendment pertains to voting rights, prohibiting the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude. The Ninth Amendment asserts the existence of rights that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. The Twelfth Amendment addresses the election of the President and Vice President, establishing procedures for the electoral college. Each of these amendments addresses different aspects of civil rights and governance but does not directly relate to the abolition of slavery, highlighting the unique and critical nature of the Thirteenth Amendment in American legal history.