W.P. 4 Zero Draft

Title: The Ages Against One

I Introduction: 18 years old is the legal age when a child becomes an adult in the United States and gain accesses to qualify for rights. Although they do not qualify for all of their rights such as being able to consume alcohol until the age of 21. In 1984 the federal government enacted the Uniform Drinking Age Act which changed the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Till this day United States citizens argue that the minimum legal drinking age should be changed back to 18, but statistics say other wise.

-Thesis: The minimum legal drinking age law was enacted to decrease binge drinking amongst the youth, decrease driving while intoxicated, decrease the “trickle-down” effect in the youth, and protect health concerns.

II Subhead: Even if people drink in a controlled environment such as a bar or club does not mean binge drinking will not occur.

-Topic: A bar is essentially not a controlled environment for alcohol consumption.

III Subhead: Statistics show that citizens under the age of 21 and are close to that age, it is easier for them to obtain alcohol. The percentage decreases the farther away the age is from 21.

-Topic: If the minimum legal  drinking age were lowered it would be easier for people under the age of 18 to obtain alcohol.

IV Subhead: Consumption of alcohol at an early age can interfere with development of the brain’s frontal lobes.

-Topic: If the minimum legal drinking age were lowered to 18 years old it would be medically irresponsible to do that.

V Subhead: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that the Uniform Drinking Age Act decreased the number of fatal traffic accidents for 18 to 20 years olds be 13% and approximately saved 27,052 lives from 1975-2008.

-Topic: Before 1984 the numbers of fatal car crashes alcohol related was incredibly high for the ages 18-20.

VI Conclusion: U.S. citizens may argue that the minimum legal drinking age interferes with our first amendment however, the Uniform Drinking Age Act was enacted to help protect the people.