21st Amendment (1933) Repeal of national prohibition
The Twenty-First Amendment is the only amendment that repealed another amendment.
It ended national alcohol prohibition and returned control over alcohol laws to states.
This amendment exists as a correction to federal overreach.
Plain-English summary of the 21st Amendment
The Twenty-First Amendment repealed the Eighteenth Amendment.
It ended the nationwide ban on alcohol.
It also gave states authority to regulate alcohol within their borders.
What the 21st Amendment actually says (short excerpt)
“The eighteenth article of amendment… is hereby repealed.”
In plain English: national prohibition ended.
How the 21st Amendment limits government power
What the government may NOT do
Enforce a nationwide alcohol ban.
Override state alcohol laws.
What citizens regained
Personal choice within state law.
Local control over alcohol regulation.
Which branch is most affected
Congress and federal enforcement agencies.
Everyday examples
States set their own alcohol laws today because of this amendment.
Historical story – correcting a failed policy
Prohibition created crime, corruption, and public resistance.
The Twenty-First Amendment admitted the mistake and reversed it through constitutional process.
Historical quote showing the lesson learned
Franklin D. Roosevelt said repealing Prohibition would bring:
“Relief from a condition that has caused widespread hardship.”
The amendment showed that constitutional limits can be restored.
How the 21st Amendment shows up on the USCIS civics test
USCIS example question
Which amendment repealed Prohibition?
Correct short answer
The Twenty-First Amendment.
Everyday life examples
Alcohol laws vary by state.
Federal agents no longer police alcohol nationwide.
Quick recap – what to remember about the 21st Amendment
It repealed Prohibition.
It reduced federal overreach.
It restored state authority.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 21st Amendment
Is alcohol now unregulated?
No. States regulate it.
Why is it unique?
It repealed another amendment.
What lesson does it show?
Even constitutional mistakes can be fixed.