PowerPoint

1. Participation in Politics
Texas Government

2. Kristine Wilson – Biological & Physical Science

3. What Motivates Me
• What motivates me to get involved are my children. I want them to learn that the only
way to see change is to actively participate. We live In a time where I feel it is even
more critical to be involved with politics. I use to take it for granted and did not concern
myself with important issues such as our religious freedoms or standing up against
abortion. I also never considered the importance of involving my children. However, if
we do not stand up for what we believe in, then we allow others to be our voice. This
generation is very self absorbed and I feel that we have a responsibility to lead by
example.

4. Texas Government Knowledge
• Sadly, I admit that I have been in Texas my entire life and yet know very little about the
government. Before taking this class, I only knew the basics about the Lone Star State
that most everyone knows. One thing I wasn’t aware of is the types of city government
we have such as Mayor-Council government and Council-Manager Government. I
found it interesting to learn what my own city’s government process is. Learning about
the different forms made me really consider how much work and politics goes into
running a city. I have a much deeper appreciation now.
• One of the most surprising things I learned concerns the death penalty. Texas leads the
nation with the number of death sentences as well as executions. I assumed they were
higher then most states, but not leading the nation. I was also shocked to learn how
many have been wrongfully put to death.

5. Future Generations
I believe one of the most important issues that needs to
remain at the forefront of politics is the freedom of
religion. We are seeing more and more the right to
freely express our religious beliefs being stripped away,
especially with the Christian religion. One should not
have to fear expression of their faith, no matter what the
background is. It’s constitutional and is supposed to be
protected under the 1st Amendment, yet we are seeing
people being persecuted for their faith.

6. Texas is a strong state that stands up for the rights of the people. Texas is
not easily intimidated. The attitude of the Lone Star State is bold and
loud. Immigration laws is an example of how Texas fights. Though they
have lost lawsuits, they go down fighting and then get right back up.
Texas has a very traditionalistic and individualistic political culture which
carries them.
Texas Strong

7. Lessons Learned
• One of the lessons I will most definitely take with me is capital punishment.
Researching this topic more in depth made me really consider the process of the
death penalty and what all it entails.
• Another lesson that I feel is invaluable is learning about my states government as
a whole. I wasn’t aware of just how little I knew about Texas government until this
class. I think it’s important to understand how things run in order to have a voice
in matters such as freedoms, local issues such as education, and even what your
Mayor is in charge of.
• And equally important is how the judicial system works. As with Federal
Government, Texas government surprised me with how many moving parts
exists with the judicial system. I find it fascinating how the court system works
and how many levels there are.