Final answer:
In the 1980s and 1990s, the federal government used conditions attached to federal highway grants to compel states to raise their drinking age to 21, as mandated by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. Influenced greatly by MADD, this legislation achieved nationwide compliance by 1988.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1980s and 1990s, the federal government used conditions attached to federal highway grants to force states to raise their minimum alcoholic beverage drinking age to 21. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 required states to raise their minimum drinking age or forfeit a significant amount of federal highway funds. This act was strongly influenced by MADD, which lobbied Congress due to concerns over drink and driving and youth safety. By 1988, all states had complied with the law, increasing their legal age for alcohol purchase and possession to 21.
MADD's advocacy efforts highlighted the public health and safety concerns associated with lower drinking ages. They were instrumental in redirecting the focus from the state level to the federal government, which resulted in the passage of the legislation. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act leveraged the distribution of federal highway funds to ensure nationwide compliance with the 21-year age limit for alcohol consumption.