OBJECTIVE

This lesson will allow you to examine the social push behind the passage of the 18^th Amendment and the reasons for its ultimate failure.

GUIDING QUESTION

1. Is the government responsible to set a moral standard of conduct for the country?
2. Why did the government have a difficult time limiting and restricting something like alcohol?

3. If so many people were against the 18^th Amendment, how did it ever get passed?
    

DISCUSSION

The 18^th Amendment has often been called the “Noble Experiment.”  Nothing represented the division in American society like the question over prohibition.  Many organizations and government officials had been pointing to the consumption of alcohol as the root of many of societies problems.  States and cities had banned alcohol long before the 18^th Amendment was ever ratified.  Yet many in America resented the government’s efforts to meddle in their personal affairs.  Furthermore, many people were tired of the sacrifices required of them and simply wanted to have a good time. The “noble experiment” was doomed to fail from the beginning as the government simply failed to adequately man and fund an agency charged with such a massive undertaking.  Sure enough within 13 years Americans were tired of the experiment and the 21^st Amendment repealed Prohibition.  Surely something like this would never happen today?

Assignment 4.03 - Prohibition

1. Part I - Prohibition

Read the short history of the failed prohibition experiment.  Follow this link prohibition essay.   

Part II – To Prohibit or Not to Prohibit – Marijuana

Just like the question of whether to outlaw alcohol divided American in the 1920’s the question of the legalizing of marijuana is one that is being debated in more circles in America today.  In the 1920’s many saw drinking as unhealthy, sinful, and destructive to society.  These people felt it was the government’s responsibility to protect society from the evils of alcohol.  Other citizens of the 1920’s did not believe alcohol consumption to be sinful or dangerous if it was done in moderation.  They also resented government telling them what they could do, believing it was their personal right to consume alcohol.

The same lines have been drawn today when it comes to the question of the legalization of marijuana.  Many feel that marijuana use will lead to the downfall of society if legalized and is calling on government to limit (prohibit) its use.  Still others see it as no different than the consumption of alcohol and feel it should be legalized.

Write a 2-page paper stating your opinion in the debate of the legalization of marijuana.  Create your paper in a Word document.  It should be 1 ½ space and in12 point Times New Roman font.  Use the following questions to guide/direct your thoughts:

Ø      Examine the pros and cons of each side (legalization vs. prohibition).  You may want to look at the following links:

o       http://www.norml.org/ - for legalization

o       http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/legalization.html - against legalization

o       http://www.balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.htm - both sides

Ø      Which side do you agree with?  What other factors, if any, do you think would influence your position?

Ø      If you had been a legislator asked to vote for the 18^th Amendment, how would you have voted?  Would you have the same stance on the issue of marijuana?

Ø      Should the government attempt to limit what they perceive as “immoral” behavior?

Ø      Consider the issues of “bootleggers” and the rise of organized crime during prohibition.  Do you feel the same things would happen or is happening over the issue of marijuana?

Ø      Does the government have just as much trouble enforcing our current prohibition on marijuana as they did during the time of the 18^th Amendment?

Ø      Alcohol sales, and consumption create millions of dollars of revenue in the United States each year.  Consider how many jobs revolve around this industry (manufacture, sale, transportation, advertising, etc.).  The government benefits from these profits (in taxes, licensing fees, etc.). Is this a good reason to legalize marijuana? 

Ø      Should other “drugs” be considered for legalization?  What about the “medicinal” use of marijuana?  Is it any different than other prescription drugs?

B. Once you have completed your 2 page paper go to the Assignment Area and click on “View/Complete Assignment – 4.03 Prohibition”.
Attach your document and click “Submit”