Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

• A. 15th Amendment
• B. 4th Amendment
• C. 6th Amendment
• D. 13th Amendment

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is identifying which constitutional change permanently ended slavery in the United States. The amendment ratified in 1865 specifically prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States and places the power to enforce this ban under Congress, with the only exception being punishment for a crime where the person has been duly convicted. This directly ended the institution of slavery, making it the correct choice.

The other amendments listed address different rights: one concerns protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, another protects the right to a speedy and public trial and related criminal procedures, and the remaining one aims to secure voting rights regardless of race. They do not abolish slavery itself, which is why they aren’t the correct answer.