Which set of amendments abolished slavery, defined citizenship, and extended voting rights?

• A. 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments
• B. 12th Amendment
• C. 14th Amendment only
• D. 15th Amendment only

Answer: (A)

The question tests the impact of the Reconstruction amendments, the trio that fundamentally remade constitutional rights after the Civil War. Together they abolish slavery, define who is a citizen, and protect voting rights. The 13th Amendment specifically ends slavery and involuntary servitude. The 14th Amendment grants birthright citizenship and enshrines equal protection and due process for all citizens. The 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. When viewed as a set, these three amendments accomplish all three goals in one package. The 12th Amendment deals with how electoral votes are counted and has a different focus, while the others address citizenship and voting rights—only the combination of all three achieves abolition, citizenship definition, and expanded suffrage.