Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. This was a crucial step in American history, particularly in the post-Civil War era, as it formally ended the legal practice of slavery, which had been a deeply entrenched institution in the country.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned serve different purposes: the 10th Amendment addresses the powers of states versus the federal government, the 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, and the 17th Amendment established the direct election of U.S. senators. Thus, while these amendments play important roles in the constitutional framework, it is the 13th Amendment that directly pertains to the abolition of slavery.