Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age of majority and what does it signify?

The age of majority is a legal benchmark when a person is considered an adult and acquires all the rights and responsibilities that come with adulthood. In most states, this age is 18. This is the time when individuals are legally allowed to perform acts that they were previously prohibited from due to their age. The age of majority varies for males and females. For males, they reach the age of discretion at 14, can consent to marriage, and choose a guardian. At 21, they are considered full age for all private purposes and can exercise their rights as citizens, including voting for public officers. They are also eligible for all offices unless otherwise specified in the constitution. At 25, a man can be elected a representative in Congress; at 30, a senator; and at 35, he can be chosen as the president of the United States. For females, they reach the age of discretion at 12 and can consent to marriage. At 14, they can choose a guardian, and at 21, they are considered full age, when they can exercise all the rights that belong to their sex.