One-hundred-fifty-four years ago today, in 1865, the United States Congress passed the 13th amendment. The vote was 119 to 56— clearing the two-thirds majority by seven votes. The amendment was later ratified by the states and abolished slavery in the United States.

 

The exact text of the 13th Amendment:

Section 1:

 

“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.”

 

Section 2:

“Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

 

The United States Constitution has received 27 amendments. The most recent amendment was in 1992, which related to Congressional pay.