The special rights is strictly that if they’re serving and could die in the course of their duties, they’re old enough to have a say in their country’s affairs. Lowering the age from 21 was a big mistake on the whole. Conversely, I do agree with lowering the drinking age back to 18. Despite having the right to vote and join the military, the 18-21 set are still considered “minors” solely on the drinking issue as well as gambling*.
(*as an aside, I visited Las Vegas in 1992 when I was about 18 and got shooed away from the gambling areas by security, despite being with my father. He thought it was funny because it reminded him of when he visited LV in 1961 with his first wife (he was about 22). She was then about my age at the time (and pregnant) and also got shooed out the gambling areas for being a “minor”)
As for marriage, that used to be lower than today, as some states routinely allowed 14-year olds (and some younger, although I believe parental consent was required) to marry, and they were clearly minors.
Yeah gambling too. I really don’t get it. Old to join the Army and die, to enter into a marriage contract or any contract but not to place a bet or drink?
Yes 18 year olds will get drunk and crash their car, they do anyway, so do 16 year olds. So do 40 year olds.
I’ve never rented a car but I heard it’s hard to until you’re 25. They let you drive one at 16 but not rent one for 9 more years? I guess that’s insurance company policy though and not decided by the government.
A basic intelligence/civics/English literacy test is the real voting restriction we need. But thats racis’.