This Constitution Day, celebrated September 17, educators across the country now have access to a comprehensive “Toast the Constitution!” lesson plan to teach students about the rise and fall of national Prohibition thanks to the work of the Bill of Rights Institute and the support of the Center for Alcohol Policy.
Developed in partnership with the National Constitution Center’s American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition exhibit, the lesson plan teaches students about the origins of the 18thAmendment, the individuals and groups who fought for and against Prohibition, the events that led to its eventual repeal and the creation of state-based alcohol regulation with the passage of the 21stAmendment.
As part of the lesson, students will use their new knowledge as well as their drawing skills to get classmates to identify and define key terms in a game of Prohibition Pictionary. Students also will learn about the roles of historical figures from the era by taking on their identities for a dinner party.
“It’s important for today’s youth to learn the important lessons of Prohibition and the history of our nation’s alcohol policies,” said Center for Alcohol Policy Advisory Council Member and Cumberland School of Law Professor Brannon Denning. “No other product in our nation’s history has been the subject of two constitutional amendments, the second of which gave each state the right to regulate it as they see fit.”
“The fascinating history surrounding the rise and fall of Prohibition offers a great lesson in federalism, and this new lesson plan presents these important topics in a fun and creative way,” Denning added.
Educators interested in downloading the lesson plan at no cost can visit the Bill of Rights Institute website at www.billofrightsinstitute.org.
About The Center for Alcohol Policy
The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.
The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America’s Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. It is the goal of the Institute to help the next generation understand the freedom and opportunity the Constitution offers.