2006-10-21 12:43:22 · 8 answers · asked by K Dog 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Actually in virtually any situation that even remotely involves international dealings, the U.S. does use the Metric system. The main places we don't are for measurements that matter only within the country itself: weighing grocery items (though a lot of them are also Metric these days), driving, and talking about the weather. There's no economic advantage to switching those measurements, so no one has bothered to do so. In all the areas where there is an economic advantage to going Metric, we've been Metric for at least a quarter century.
2006-10-21 15:22:39 · answer #1 · answered by dmb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Earl,
Why doesn't the United States use the metric system?
Megan, Age 13
Dear Megan,
Many Americans feel comfortable using the measurement system they already know, so they don't care to learn a new one. Even though the metric system is easier to use, and 95% of the world uses it, many Americans don't want to change. Because the U.S. is a democracy, it's hard for the government to force a new system on the people. But because the metric system is important in international trade, the U.S. government has slowly moved the country towards the metric system. This hasn't been a smooth transition, and it may be decades before the U.S. is fully converted. But for now, do you buy your soda by the quart or by the liter?
2006-10-21 19:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by ????? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose because people are used to it, that's not really a proper reason though. England used to use its imperial system of units, on which the US sytem is based, but we changed over in the 70s, although people would still understand the old units.
2006-10-21 20:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually to be honest, the US does use the metric system, ALL THE TIME!!! like for math & science.
2006-10-21 19:47:15 · answer #4 · answered by last_judgement_band 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its too complicated and costly to change everything over. Like getting everybody in the world to drive on the same side of the street.
2006-10-21 19:48:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not a member of the world.
2006-10-22 05:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
too stubborn, we tried in the 70's and 80's but it never took hold outside of scientific fields.
2006-10-21 19:47:35 · answer #7 · answered by janssen411 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably because the cost of conversion is, or would be, horrendous.
2006-10-21 20:33:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋