NationStates Jolt Archive

I was thinking about at what age should people get the right to do certain things and certain responsibilities. Activities such as:

1. Vote
2. Consent to sex
3. Consume recreational substances, i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc
5. Work and be able to keep their wages, the parents can't steal them.
6. Drop out of school
7. Drive a car
8. Get prosecuted as adults

Also why should there be discrepensy, if any, between when these rights and responsibilities kick in? An example would be in many places the age of consent to sex is lower than the age when someone is eligible to vote. Why can people fuck and possibly have children or spread disease but not be able to participate in the democratic process?

I was thinking about at what age should people get the right to do certain things and certain responsibilities. Activities such as:

1. Vote
2. Consent to sex
3. Consume recreational substances, i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc
5. Work and be able to keep their wages, the parents can't steal them.
6. Drop out of school
7. Drive a car
8. Get prosecuted as adults

Also why should there be discrepensy, if any, between when these rights and responsibilities kick in? An example would be in many places the age of consent to sex is lower than the age when someone is eligible to vote. Why can people fuck and possibly have children or spread disease but not be able to participate in the democratic process?

Eh I think all of them should be at age 18, because legally then you are an adult.

Don't forget that 16- and 17-year-olds are taxed without representation, as well. But I'm 18, so hah.

Don't forget that 16- and 17-year-olds are taxed without representation, as well. But I'm 18, so hah.

Forgot about that. There's also the thing where in the US you can join the army at 18 and possibly die, but you grant drink a beer.