Me and my friends had an argument over this. Is the drinking age (21) a federal law? And to broaden the subject, must all states obey federal law?
2007-03-10 13:19:56 · 13 answers · asked by Pattay 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
there is no federal law HOWEVER, Financial incentives create de facto federal purchase age of 21. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 states that revenue will be withheld from states that allow the purchase of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
2007-03-10 13:26:05 · answer #1 · answered by thequeenreigns 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, drinking age laws are set by the state, most at 21 a few at 18. To answer your second question, yes all states must comply and their laws cannot conflict with federal law (otherwise what would be the point of a federal law).
2007-03-10 21:45:44 · answer #2 · answered by Χαλαρά 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not a federal on which age. But it is for a state to have one (18 is minimum) Some states have 18 as drinking age. However, most have 21
2007-03-10 21:23:53 · answer #3 · answered by asiduhagu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and no.
The federal government is limited in terms of what areas it can legislate. And the federal govt is not allowed to order states to pass specific legislation.
One common trick is for the govt to offer a state money, such as funds to maintain highways, and then tack a condition on the money that the states only get it if they adhere to certain conditions, like setting a state speed limit or setting the state drinking age.
This is what happened. Congress gives the states lots of money each year, on the condition that the states keep those laws. So, it's not so much a federal request as a federal bribe.
2007-03-10 22:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drinking ages are mandated by state law, not federal law. That is why some states drinking ages are different than others.
2007-03-10 21:26:35 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a federal but state law.
2007-03-10 21:25:22 · answer #6 · answered by jnwmom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes- Federal, State and all cities must abide by the 21 and over drinking law- Yes!
2007-03-10 21:26:32 · answer #7 · answered by wise 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Drinking age is a STATE law .
2007-03-10 21:25:05 · answer #8 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
state law...if the power is not specifically talked about in the constitution, the state gets to make the law...read the constitution.
2007-03-11 05:27:19 · answer #9 · answered by CBJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do believe so....but don't get me started about how it is so unfair when you can die for your country at 18 but you can't drink!
People above me....How is that true? I have lived in a lot of states and every single one is 21 or older to drink. (Hawaii might be different cause is across an ocean though.)
2007-03-10 21:24:23 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Mary ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋