This document summarizes a Texas government politics project created by a sociology major. It discusses several key points about Texas government and politics, including factors that motivate voting, things that surprised the author about the Texas government process, important future political issues like education, the role Texas plays in influencing federal government due to its population and electoral votes, and lessons about low voter turnout that will influence the author to participate in elections going forward.

1. TEXAS GOVERNMENT
POLITICS PROJECT
By: Jesi Hoppert
Major: Sociology

2. Things that motivate you to become an
active participant in our political system?
■ There are countries in the world that do not give their citizens the freedom to vote,
because of this it gives me motivation to participate in politics by voting.The overall
voter turnout rate is low in the United States, but inTexas alone it is very low. Due to
this when I vote I feel that I am truly making a difference and fully exercising my rights
as a United States citizen.

3. Things you have learned that surprised you
about theTexas government process
■ Texas is one of only four states that meet every other year, or in biennial sessions.
■ Texas has been below the national average in voter turnout, regularly falling below 50
percent.
■ I also did not know that there are several different types of government thatTexas
cities can follow.

4. One political issue that is important to
consider for future generations?
■ The most important issue is that of education.The reason that education is so
important is because it is shaping the future ofTexas.At any educational level teachers
have a bigger impact on students than anything else. Unfortunately,Texas as a whole
has many holes in its teaching force. Because of thisTexas needs to fill these holes so
students can be held to rigorous standards, so they can succeed.

5. What role do you believeTexas plays in
influencing the federal government?
■ Texas is fast growing both through the population and through the economy. Since
Texas is large in population it gives us 36 representatives in the House of
Representatives, along with 38 electoral votes.These two factors alone givesTexas a
HUGE influence in various federal policies.

6. A few lessons you have learned about our
government process this semester that you
will carry with you?
■ The main thing I will carry with me is how low voter turnout is.The reason that this is
the main thing is because it is a significant issue.This has influenced me to participate
both in national and local elections.
■ Another thing I will carry with me is how important our local governments our to their
community.