Final answer:
Prohibition failed due to its impractical enforcement, increasing illegal activities, public opposition, and the challenges faced by the federal government. It was eventually repealed by the 21st Amendment through a state convention ratification process, emphasizing that amendments must not only be passed but also be enforceable and maintain public support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constitutional amendment process demands that an amendment be proposed with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress, or by two-thirds of the states calling for a convention, and then ratified by three-fourths of the states. This rigorous process underlines the difficulty of amending the Constitution, as only 27 amendments have been ratified, despite over 10,000 proposals. Prohibition, which was the 18th Amendment, passed this hurdle due to strong public and congressional support influenced by the temperance movement and societal pressures of that era.
However, the enforcement of Prohibition proved to be problematic, as it encountered widespread opposition and non-compliance. This led to an increase in illegal activities, including the smuggling and distribution of alcohol, which was often controlled by organized crime. Moreover, the federal government faced challenges enforcing Prohibition across the vast and diverse landscapes of the United States. The public's perception of Prohibition grew increasingly negative, and it became apparent that the amendment was impractical and unpopular.