Question
Review the text.
Voting age is a complex issue, but there are clear reasons why the age should be lowered from eighteen in the United States. First, many people younger than eighteen are employed and pay taxes. This is what early Americans called "taxation without representation." Also, many laws impact citizens under eighteen, and that could be called "regulation without representation."
Some people argue that young people lack the maturity or knowledge to vote responsibly. However, many young people are informed about and active in politics. Additionally, adult voters are not required to have specific knowledge or experience.
A number of nations already allow sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds to vote. This policy justly recognizes the rights of younger people. The U.S. should not be left behind.
Which best shows that the author's purpose is to persuade readers that the voting age should be lowered in the U.S.?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The author's purpose to persuade readers that the voting age should be lowered in the U.S. is best demonstrated by the use of compelling arguments and examples that highlight the rights of younger individuals and the inconsistencies in the current voting system. The text identifies key reasons such as:
1. **Taxation and Representation**: By mentioning that younger people are employed and pay taxes, the author draws a parallel to the principle of "taxation without representation," highlighting the unfairness of denying them the right to vote.
2. **Legal Impact**: The reference to "regulation without representation" illustrates that laws affecting young people are made without their input, further emphasizing the need for them to have a voice in the democratic process.
3. **Counterarguments Addressed**: The author acknowledges the common argument about the maturity and knowledge of young voters, but counters it by suggesting that many youths are politically active and informed, questioning the validity of this argument when adult voters aren't held to the same standard.
4. **Global Perspective**: The mention of other countries that allow younger individuals to vote serves as a rational justification for change, implying that the U.S. should align with global standards of democratic participation.
These elements collectively work to persuade readers of the author's viewpoint on lowering the voting age.
1. **Taxation and Representation**: By mentioning that younger people are employed and pay taxes, the author draws a parallel to the principle of "taxation without representation," highlighting the unfairness of denying them the right to vote.
2. **Legal Impact**: The reference to "regulation without representation" illustrates that laws affecting young people are made without their input, further emphasizing the need for them to have a voice in the democratic process.
3. **Counterarguments Addressed**: The author acknowledges the common argument about the maturity and knowledge of young voters, but counters it by suggesting that many youths are politically active and informed, questioning the validity of this argument when adult voters aren't held to the same standard.
4. **Global Perspective**: The mention of other countries that allow younger individuals to vote serves as a rational justification for change, implying that the U.S. should align with global standards of democratic participation.
These elements collectively work to persuade readers of the author's viewpoint on lowering the voting age.