What is the legal drinking age in the United States?

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. This law was established with the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which mandated that all states prohibit the purchase and public possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21. The decision to set the legal drinking age at 21 was driven by concerns over health and safety, particularly regarding alcohol-related accidents among younger populations. By establishing this uniform age limit, the government aimed to reduce the risks associated with alcohol consumption and improve public safety.