Which amendment abolished slavery?

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, marking a significant change in the country’s legal framework and social fabric. Ratified in December 1865, it states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to its jurisdiction. This amendment was a crucial part of the Reconstruction Era, aimed at ensuring freedom and rights for formerly enslaved individuals following the Civil War.

In contrast, 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 denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Each of these amendments serves distinct purposes regarding civil rights and governance but does not address the specific issue of slavery, which is why they are not the correct answer to the question.