Which Amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment is significant because it formally abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment made it unlawful for any person to be held in involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, thereby ensuring that slavery could no longer legally exist in any state or territory.

The 12th Amendment, which focuses on the election of the President and Vice President, does not pertain to issues of slavery. The 14th Amendment primarily addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment ensures the right to vote regardless of race. Though these subsequent amendments aimed to secure civil rights and liberties, it was the 13th Amendment that directly addressed and abolished the institution of slavery. This pivotal change laid the groundwork for ongoing civil rights advancements in the United States.