What amendment abolished slavery in the United States, overruling the previous constitution clause on census representation for slaves?

The amendment that abolished slavery in the United States is the 13th Amendment. Ratified in December 1865, it formally prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This significant change came after the Civil War and marked a turning point in American history, ensuring that no individual could be held in bondage against their will.

Prior to the 13th Amendment, the U.S. Constitution included clauses that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for purposes of legislative representation, which essentially upheld the existence of slavery. The adoption of the 13th Amendment not only nullified this practice but also set a legal precedent that underscored the principles of freedom and equality, as it rendered slavery illegal throughout the nation.

The other amendments listed focus on different aspects of civil rights: the 14th Amendment addresses citizenship and equal protection under the law, the 15th Amendment guarantees voting rights regardless of race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. Thus, only the 13th Amendment directly addresses the issue of slavery and its abolition.