In Canada, you can drink when you're 18.  In Belgium you can drink when you are 16.  Why do Americans need so much extra time to mature?
124148
Yo, speak for yourself. How smart are you? Spending time, studying the drinking ages, of different countrys.
477071
The raising of the drinking age to 21 was due to strong arm tactics of the federal government supressing state's rights.  Sometime around the late 80's, the federal gov't threatened to withold federal highway funds to those states which did not raise their drinking age to 21 for all alcoholic beverages.  It was extortion considering that the citizens of the states were paying federal income taxes already.  The states couldn't afford to miss the redistribution of the citizen's money via the federal government and were compelled to raise the ages.  Buhana and Stephanie, It is not federal law but it is 21 for each state across all 50.  2 minutes on wikipedia would have told you so.
34437
the last two have it right.  All the states set the drinking age but in any state anyone drinking under the legal drinking age is in violation no matter where they are.  Also your parents are technically contributing to the delinquency of a minor which is also a crime.  However, I think this is one of the least enforced laws nationwide until parties and stuff get involved.  A drink with your parents at dinner wont get looked at twice
459351
ok.....drinking till ur 21......many teens are gonna drink no matter what....\n\nwear your seatbelt...yea right like americans are actually gonna listen to that one..... and finally\n\nno driving unless you have a license or permit......do u seriously think teens now a days are gonna listen to that??? no matter what the consequence is they are gonna do it...\n\n\n\n\nsry for the sucky answers...i do agree with it tho...if i think of any better ones ill let u know....
146097
each country in africa has it's own government and laws.\nsouth africa, where johannesburg is, has a drinking age of 18 through out the country.
645600
I'm from Israel, a hot country with not a lot of rainfall except winter. There are lots of malls here, but not enough, and not big enough! \nHere in Israel, you are allowed to marry from the legal age of 18, drive at 15 and a half with a student permit, drink at the age of 18, yet 16 year old do it all the time.\nWe have seat belt laws indicating we must wear them while driving or in a car.\nNope, we don't have drive-ins, or atlest I think we don't . \nThere are a few ice-skating rinks here in Israel, inculding Canada Center.\n\n:)\nI've lived in this marvelous land for about 2 years, immigrated from the states.
182217
I think the big problem is drinking and driving, we need to one raise the driving age to 18 as well.  I think the effect wouldn't be that noticible because everyone over 18 already drinks, they would just get less under age drinking citations.  Every other country except Canada that I can think of allows drinking at 18, or in many tird worlds there is no drinking age.  If people are responsible and we use Europe as a guideline it can be something that isn't a big deal.
195136
I personally like Canadians and think it is perfectly ok to assume an american persona when drunk. This is also good for america as we europeans believe them to be religious fanatics and it would give them some good press if we thought they could cut loose, throw up in the street and start a punch up like all us normal people.
502354
In Nebraska your just a minor for drinking under the age of 21. Over the age of 16 you can be charged as an adult for depending on the severity of the crime.
317647
the lowest legal age for tobacco is 16 in alaska. the cop can take it away. he probobly gave a choice of fine or forfeiture. the damned 'forbidden fruit' scenario. we're always going to seek what we cant have. in other parts of the world ive been to im shocked at how young people get into things. but then, its not (drugs, drink, tobacco, ect) popular because its not restricted. my truck for instance, the envy of all who are without one. i couldnt wait to get old enough to drive legally. now, i can drive anywhere but choose not to because its no big deal & am sick of driving every damn day.
179310
There are so many answers to your question. Beside the reasons that you have mentioned I guess they want to prove to the world that they are grown. The teenage years are considered the rebellious age, so I imagine acting out in the manner that you have described is not unique to America but any where teenagers are.
4464
mostly due to the puritan roots of american culture.  Drinking and gambling are in general more restricted in the United States then many other western nations.
47207
You are considered an adult by law at the age of 18.  However, even the government knows that 18 year olds aren't very responsible since that legal drinking age is 21.\nI believe you are considered an adult when you start acting like it.  When you can support yourself on your own, behave responsibly, and own up to your own mistakes.
29055
Its a united states law that you have to be 21... doesnt matter what city your in, if your drinking in this country, you must be 21. (with the exceptions in some states that say that if you are married to someone over 21, they can legally purchase alcohol for you or if your with a parent and youre over 18 they can legally purchase it also)
219294
Hey only in the USA the drinking age is so high, (and we are not taking into account here the countries were it is completely forbidden, like Muslim countries. They say that you have to be mature enough to handle any problems related to abuse. I other countries this age in lower or it does not exist. I many countries children drink extremely small portions of good read wine (for medical purposes) and they get used to it. I remember that when I was young  (14)my parents bought a bottle of the best wine in the market and I had to drink it alone everyday 20mm, the doctor recommended me. somehow I did not get a drunkard. This issue is very much culture and financially bound. the more problems a person has the more vulnarable he is to alcohhol, so I think that your goverment just knows it and instead of solving these problems it simply establish this high drinking age, and the ID rule
380386
i think 21 is a good age but for our men and women fighting for our country under 21 they should be allowed since the are fighting to stay alive for us if they are old enough to die for our country they are old enough to drink
242612
Cause not everyone drinks and drives.  Most people drink beer legaly in their own homes.  Maybe you just need to mind your own business.