Project for Texas Government of what I learned this semester.

1. Kristen Daugherty
Associate of Applied Science for Registered
Nursing

2. What things motivate you the most to become an
active participant in our political system?
I’ve always wanted to vote in
presidential elections, but never
in local or state elections. My
vote go towards someone who I
think best fit as our President.
I actively voice my opinion on
political topics. Especially, on
Facebook where everyone puts
in their opinion. I voice my
opinion on topics such as better
education, poverty, abortion, gay
rights, etc.
What do I want to change?
Women’s health clinic for birth
control, counseling, abortion,
pap smear, etc. As we grow
older, everything is changing. I
am unsure what can stay the
same.

3. What did I learned this semester that surprised
me about the Texas government processes?
I did not know how
interest groups influence
our government’s
decision making. I did
not know what an
interest group was
before this class.
1
I was not surprised
about Texas poverty
rates being slightly
higher than the national
average.
2
I’ve learned cities of
Texas have broad
annexation powers. The
city council can annex
land and the residents
living there have no
voice.
3
I did not expect to learn
about the third party system
overall. I thought this topic
applied more broadly to the
federal government. I
learned more in this class
about the third party system
than I did in federal
government.
4

4. Education and
Poverty Rates
Poverty is a strong factor of education
achievement. Most drop-outs in high school
were economically disadvantaged. The drop-
out rate is higher in Hispanic and African
American students than Asian and Caucasian
students. This is important, because future
generations may be economically
disadvantaged. Going to college and getting a
degree or trade may be hard for the poverty,
but it is not impossible. The education system
needs more adjustment. Everyone should be
able to go to college. Minimum wage plays a
key factor in the economically disadvantaged.
If it were raised, people may less likely be in
poverty.

5. What role do you believe Texas
plays in influencing the federal
government decision making?
Due to Texas being a very large state, they
have an advantage to influence the federal
government decision making. Texas
continues to grow each day. Many states
look up to Texas because of their large
population and the need to implement new
policies.

6. What have I
learned this
semester that
I will carry on
throughout
life?
Texas has low voter turnout rate. I will carry this idea
on and try to participate in more local and state
elections. Before this class, I did not realize how many
elections we have in the state of Texas and what they
are for. Presidential election is what I always focus on.
While that is important, I should start participating in
more local and state elections. With me participating
more, will allow me to voice my thoughts on new
policies and issues. Also, I will know more about what
is going on locally and state-wide. I could help prevent
some cities annexing if I voice my concerns. If more
people know what is going locally, we will more likely
be able to prevent such measures from happening.