Rights of American Citizens vs. Responsibilities of The American Government
For years before the ratification of the 18th amendment prohibitionist involved in the temperance movement argued that the government was responsible for the well being of American citizens whose lives were threatened by the excessive alcohol abuse. However the opposing side argued that alcohol prohibition was an infringement on civil liberty and the rights of Americans across the nation. The latter group consisted of many urban city dwellers who had begun to embrace the new spirit of the 20s. They were not willing to give up their rights for the morally guided protestants who lobbied for the passing of the 18th amendment.