Twenty-First Amendment

Definition

The Twenty-First Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1933, repealed the Eighteenth Amendment, thus ending the nationwide prohibition of alcohol. This amendment is significant as it marked a major shift in American social policy, reflecting changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption and the failures of prohibition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Twenty-First Amendment was ratified on December 5, 1933, making it unique as the only amendment to completely repeal another amendment.
2. The repeal of prohibition was largely influenced by the economic pressures of the Great Depression, as legalizing alcohol was seen as a way to generate tax revenue and create jobs.
3. States were given the authority to regulate alcohol sales and consumption within their own borders after the repeal, leading to diverse approaches across different states.
4. The amendment reflects a significant shift in public opinion, demonstrating that prohibition had led to increased organized crime and corruption rather than reducing alcohol consumption.
5. The Twenty-First Amendment serves as a key example of how societal values can evolve and result in changes to constitutional law.

Review Questions

• How did the Twenty-First Amendment reflect changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption in America during the early 20th century?
  • The Twenty-First Amendment marked a shift in American attitudes towards alcohol by recognizing that prohibition had failed to curb consumption and had instead led to increased crime and corruption. Many Americans began to view alcohol as a normal part of social life rather than a societal ill. This change in perception paved the way for the amendment's ratification, demonstrating a willingness to adapt constitutional law in response to evolving social norms.
• Evaluate the economic implications of repealing prohibition through the Twenty-First Amendment during the Great Depression.
  • Repealing prohibition with the Twenty-First Amendment had significant economic implications during the Great Depression. Legalizing alcohol was seen as a way to generate tax revenue for cash-strapped governments and create jobs in breweries, distilleries, and related industries. The influx of tax revenue from alcohol sales provided much-needed financial relief during a period of widespread economic hardship, highlighting how policy can be shaped by economic conditions.
• Analyze how the passage of the Twenty-First Amendment illustrates the dynamic relationship between societal values and constitutional amendments in American history.
  • The passage of the Twenty-First Amendment illustrates how societal values can influence constitutional amendments by highlighting the failures of prohibition and public desire for change. As organized crime thrived under prohibition and public sentiment shifted towards acceptance of alcohol, lawmakers responded by repealing the Eighteenth Amendment. This dynamic relationship shows that constitutional law is not static; rather, it evolves alongside changing cultural norms and social expectations, demonstrating how democracy allows for adaptation over time.

Related terms

Eighteenth Amendment:

The Eighteenth Amendment established the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 until its repeal by the Twenty-First Amendment.

Prohibition:

A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages that lasted from 1920 to 1933.

Volstead Act: The Volstead Act was enacted to provide for the enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment, defining what constituted an alcoholic beverage and outlining penalties for violations.