What is the 21st Amendment

• Steven Topazio wrote this October 15, 2024 at 4:47 pm

The 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on December 5, 1933, repealed the 18th Amendment, effectively ending the nationwide prohibition of alcohol. It is notable for being the only amendment to repeal another amendment and for being the only one ratified by state conventions rather than state legislatures.

The main provisions of the 21st Amendment are:

Section 1: The 18th Amendment to the Constitution is repealed.

Section 2: The transportation or importation of intoxicating liquors into any state, territory, or possession of the United States, in violation of the laws thereof, is prohibited.

Section 3: The amendment shall be inoperative unless it has been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several states, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of its submission to the states by Congress.

The 21st Amendment ended the federal ban on alcohol, allowing states to regulate its sale and distribution.