Final answer:
Persons aged 16 or older in the U.S. must generally practice driving with a legal adult over 21 who has a valid driver's license. This is part of broader government regulations to promote safety, similar to laws such as the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which are forms of legal discrimination for the public good.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, when someone aged 16 years or older is preparing for their driver's license, they are often required to practice driving under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. The specifics can vary from state to state, but typically, this individual must be a legal adult, often 21 years or older, and have a valid driver's license. This requirement is part of the legal framework established by the government to ensure new drivers are competent and safe on the road.
This practice of regulated driving privileges is an example of government engaging in legal discrimination to promote safety and welfare. Measures like the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which incentivized states to set the legal drinking age at 21 to maintain federal highway funding, are similar forms of regulation aimed at protecting the public. While these laws may seem to treat younger individuals differently, they are designed to reflect considerations of responsibility, safety, and public welfare.
Government involvement in establishing age requirements for tasks such as drinking, smoking, and driving is intended to promote responsible behavior and protect individuals and society at large. This form of legal discrimination is deemed constitutional when it serves a clear and important public interest and is seen as a necessary measure for the greater good.