7th Grade Civics EOC Practice Test

Voting age changes happen through a constitutional amendment, and the one that lowered the voting age to 18 was ratified in 1971. This amendment changed the federal voting age from 21 to 18, making it possible for most 18-year-olds to vote in all elections. The idea behind it was that if young people could be drafted or serve in the military, they should also have a say in choosing their leaders. It linked civic duties with rights and kept the voting rules in step with other responsibilities of adulthood. Other amendments address different topics entirely, so this one specifically expands who can vote.