How did we get the specific age number for Age of Consent, Age of Voting, Gun ownership, Driver License, etc.. when age is often subjective for maturity?

Question

Not a pedophile, just wondering.

In: Other

Answer 1

In my country it lines up with education. Not sure if it’s deliberate but the various ages line up nicely with stages of education.

Primary education ends at 12 –> The minimum legal age of employment is 13 years old.

Secondary education ends at 16 –> Age of consent is 16.

Tertiary ends at 18 –> Alcohol & smoking is 18*.

Military service (for males) ends at 21 –> Voting age is 21.

*Smoking was recently raised to 21 because the government is really trying to stamp it out.