Which amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery?

Prepare for the Wisconsin Civics Test graduation requirement. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your exam. Get ready to ace your test!

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution is significant because it formally abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. This was a monumental step in American history, marking the end of an institution that had perpetuated severe human rights abuses and inequality. The passage of the 13th Amendment was a fundamental achievement of the Reconstruction Era, as it was intended to ensure freedom and rights for formerly enslaved people. The other amendments mentioned—while important in their own rights—do not address the abolition of slavery specifically. The 14th Amendment focuses on citizenship and equal protection under the law, the 15th Amendment addresses voting rights regardless of race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote.

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