What amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The Thirteenth Amendment is the correct answer because it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a pivotal moment in American history, ensuring legal freedom for millions of enslaved individuals. Its passage was a critical achievement of the Reconstruction Era, aimed at addressing the injustices faced by former slaves and integrating them into society as free citizens.

The Eighth Amendment, which protects against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, and the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states, do not address the issue of slavery. The Fourteenth Amendment, while also crucial in shaping civil rights, focuses on citizenship and equal protection under the law, rather than directly abolishing slavery. Therefore, the Thirteenth Amendment stands out as the definitive legal measure that ended the institution of slavery in the country.