Repeal of Prohibition
Repeals the 18th Amendment while preserving important state authority over alcohol.
In Simple, Modern English
Section 1 repeals the 18th Amendment.
Section 2 prohibits transporting or importing intoxicating liquor into a state, territory, or possession for delivery or use contrary to its laws.
Section 3 required ratification by state conventions within seven years of submission.
Important Clauses & Details
Section 1: Repeal
The constitutional nationwide prohibition ceased to operate. This is the amendment that expressly repeals another amendment.
Section 2: State regulation
States retain substantial control over alcohol brought in for delivery or use, while remaining subject to other constitutional constraints.
Section 3: Conventions
Ratification used state conventions rather than state legislatures, with a seven-year deadline.
Why It Was Added
National Prohibition faced widespread evasion, illegal markets, enforcement problems, and growing opposition. Repeal restored legal alcohol commerce under regulation and allowed revenue collection during the Great Depression.
Repeal did not require every state to allow alcohol or give states unlimited authority to ignore other constitutional protections.
Plain-English study paraphrases summarize the text; they are not verbatim translations. Historical provisions and later changes are identified above. Sources: National Archives and Constitution Annotated.