A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

1. The 13th amendment

2. The 14th amendment

3. The 15th amendment

4. The 16th amendment

The correct answer is: The 13th amendment

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the country. This amendment was a pivotal change in American history, officially ending the legal institution of slavery which had been a foundational aspect of society, particularly in the Southern states. The language of the 13th Amendment is clear, stating that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." The significance of the 13th Amendment lies not only in its legal dissolution of slavery but also in its broader implications for civil rights and social justice in the post-Civil War era. It marked the beginning of a series of legislative measures aimed at addressing the rights of formerly enslaved individuals and integrating them into society as full citizens. The other amendments listed each addressed different aspects of civil rights and governance. The 14th Amendment, for example, focuses on 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. The 16th Amendment pertains to the federal