Final answer:
The Selective Service Act requires U.S. males to register for possible military conscription. It affects eligibility for certain government benefits today and remains a legal obligation, with discussions on extending the requirement to females.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Selective Service Act is a significant piece of legislation in the history of the United States that mandates the registration of males for potential conscription into the military. Originally passed in 1917 to compose a fighting force for World War I, it required all men aged twenty-one through thirty to register. This age range expanded in subsequent wars, with World War II seeing men aged eighteen to forty-five being required to register.
In today's society, the Selective Service System still exists, requiring all male U.S. citizens and male non-citizen residents between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five to register within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. This registration is necessary for various aspects of social life, including eligibility for federal student loans, job training, government employment, and U.S. citizenship for immigrants.
While the United States currently has an all-volunteer military force, registration with the Selective Service System remains a legal obligation, and failure to register can result in penalties. It's important to note that discussions have also included possibly requiring females to register, reflecting changes in military roles and societal perspectives on gender equality.