Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the correct choice as it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a significant legal and social turning point in American history, following the end of the Civil War. It ensured that neither slavery nor forced labor could legally exist in the United States, establishing a foundational principle of freedom and human rights that would influence subsequent legislation and civil rights movements.

Understanding the context of the other amendments helps clarify why they do not pertain to the abolition of slavery. The 12th Amendment focuses on the electoral process for the president and vice president. The 14th Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race. While these amendments play crucial roles in advancing civil rights, they do not specifically address or abolish slavery, which is why the 13th Amendment is the key amendment in this context.