Better example: 18th amendment (1919) vs. 21st amendment (1933). Prohibition empowered three bureaucracies that were then disempowered over a dozen years later. I don't see how that can be seen as a ratchet.

There are many such examples from all over the world; millions if you look at the actual details of laws, rather than just the broad strokes.

Things are much worse now than they were pre-Prohibition. We have the awful three-tier system which means higher prices and less choice for consumers. Not to mention the accumulated brewing knowledge that was lost by Prohibition + a 45 year ban on homebrewing. It's only in the past 20 or so years that we've begun to undo the damage, and we're still worse off.

I would pick a different example. The 21st Amendment rescinded much of the power 18th Amendment gave, but then retained: "The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited."

So, perfect example of the ratchet effect: go forward, but then not all the way back. Okay, okay, ratchets don't allow any backward movement, but close enough.

Sure it does. Womens suffrage didnt repeal any laws, remove ant government powers, or destroy any beauracracies. Try repealing the 19th amendment and see how far you get.