The minimum drinking age of 21: arguments for and against
An analysis of the merits of maintaining the current national minimum age of 21 for drinking. Includes an explanation of the federal spending power to influence state policies. Addresses the argument against the minimum age and explains why the minimum age for drinking should be different from other rights such as the minimum age for military service. 6-pg essay + Bullet point outline.
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Reason #1 -- Teenagers are already the Most Dangerous Drivers on the Road
Teenagers are involved in disproportionate numbers of accidents already
Teenagers are the most inexperienced of all drivers
Counterargument # 1 -- The Minimum Drinking Age is Excessively Paternalistic
There should be limits to the ability of government to control choices
Teenagers are permitted to do other things that are considered "adult" privileges
Driving is no different from smoking and many states allow teenagers to smoke
Rebuttal # 1 -- Public Health, Safety and Welfare is much more Important
Government has the right to protect public safety
Smoking does not threaten other people; drinking and driving are deadly threats
Reason # 2 -- Federal Funds Linked to the Minimum Drinking Age Make State
Highway Systems Much Safer and Pay for More State Police Services
States benefit from federal highway funds received for the minimum drinking age
Counterargument #2 -- The Constitutional States' Rights Issue
It is unfair and unconstitutional for Congress to force states into compliance
The 10th Amendment does not allow federal nationalized minimum drinking ages
It is unfair to withhold federal funds from states that lower the drinking age
Rebuttal # 2 -- The Congressional Spending Power is Perfectly Constitutional
States do not have to follow the preference of Congress at all
The 10th Amendment does not prohibit Congressional spending power incentives
No federal funds are withheld; they are given to states with the age 21 minimum
Reason # 3 -- Adults Younger than 21 are not as Responsible as Adults over 21
Younger adults and teens have worse judgment than older adults
Younger adults and teens respond to peer pressure and challenges to race
Younger adults and teens are cognitively immature until after 21
Counterargument # 3 -- Other Dangerous Responsibilities do not Require Being 21
18-year-olds can join the military and carry guns
Some states allow police officers to be less than 21 years of age
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