Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution

The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution repealed the Eighteenth Amendment, effectively ending the era of Prohibition in the United States. Ratified on December 5, 1933, it is the only amendment to have been ratified by state ratifying conventions, specifically chosen for this purpose, rather than by the state legislatures. This unique method of ratification was specified by Congress when it proposed the amendment.

Text

The text of the Twenty-first Amendment is divided into two sections:

Section 1

The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.

Section 2

The transportation or importation into any state, territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.

Background

The Prohibition era in the United States began with the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within the United States and its territories. This era saw the rise of bootlegging, speakeasies, and a significant increase in organized crime. Public opinion gradually turned against Prohibition, and the failure to enforce it became increasingly apparent.

Ratification Process

The Twenty-first Amendment's ratification process was notable for its use of state ratifying conventions rather than state legislatures, a method not used before or since. This method was chosen to bypass state legislatures, many of which were seen as being under the influence of dry (anti-alcohol) forces. The amendment was ratified by the required three-fourths of the state conventions on December 5, 1933.

Impact

The repeal of Prohibition had a significant impact on American society and the economy. It allowed for the legal manufacture and sale of alcohol, leading to the resurgence of breweries, distilleries, and bars. It also marked a shift in public opinion and the role of the federal government in regulating moral behavior.

Contemporary Issues

While the Twenty-first Amendment repealed federal Prohibition, it left the regulation of alcohol to the states. This has led to a patchwork of laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol across the country. Some states maintain strong regulations, while others have more permissive laws.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Alcohol laws of the United States

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