Final answer:
The exact percentage of Americans of legal age who drink alcoholic beverages is not provided, but historical context and the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 indicate a significant level of consumption among American adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seeks to understand what percentage of Americans of legal age consume alcoholic beverages. While specific up-to-date statistics on this precise question might not be available, we do have information relating to alcohol consumption patterns in the United States from the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, surveys, and historical data. From this information, we can infer trends and behaviors concerning alcohol consumption among adults. It's important to note that the 1984 law contributed to state-by-state variations in the enforcement of legal drinking ages; however, it mandated a national minimum age of 21 to avoid federal highway fund reductions.
Without a current definitive number, we can look to global comparisons and historical context for insight. For example, Americans have historically had a unique relationship with alcohol throughout the country's history, and public opinion around substances like alcohol and marijuana has shifted significantly over time. We can surmise that a substantial portion of American adults drinks alcohol, but obtaining the exact percentage requires a current and focused survey on the topic.