Blog 2 Michael Acosta

 Michael Acosta 

Why Elections Matter: Reflections on Our Group Presentations

Throughout our Public Speaking class, we had the opportunity to learn about the importance of elections and how they affect different aspects of our society. Each of the four groups focused on a different topic related to elections, including the election process, education policies, immigration policies, and the economy. Although each group discussed a different subject, they all demonstrated how elections influence the decisions that are made in our communities, states, and country. These presentations helped me better understand why voting is important and how the people we elect can affect our everyday lives.

Group 1: The Electorate and the Election Process

The first group focused on the electorate and the election process. This topic was important because it explained the basic purpose of elections and the role that voters play in choosing their representatives. Elections allow citizens to participate in democracy by selecting leaders who make decisions on their behalf. Without elections, people would have fewer opportunities to influence the direction of their government.

One of the main things I learned from this topic was the importance of understanding how elections work before participating in them. Voting is not simply about choosing a candidate because of their political party or popularity. It also involves researching candidates, understanding their positions, and considering how their decisions could affect society. Being an informed voter is important because election results can have consequences that last for several years.

Another important aspect of this topic is voter participation. When more people participate in elections, the results can better represent the opinions and interests of the community. However, when people decide not to vote, they give up an opportunity to have their voices heard. This made me realize that even though one vote might seem insignificant, every vote contributes to the overall election results.

Overall, I think Group 1 covered an important topic because understanding the election process is the foundation of participating in democracy. Before people can make informed decisions about specific political issues, they need to understand how voting works and why their participation matters.

Group 2: Education Policies

My group, Group 2, focused on education policies and how elections influence the American education system. I found this topic especially interesting because education affects millions of students, teachers, and families throughout the country. Decisions about school funding, educational programs, and academic requirements are often influenced by elected officials. This means that elections can have a direct impact on the quality of education students receive.

For my part of the presentation, I discussed the history of education policies in the United States. I explained how public education expanded during the 1800s and how education reformers such as Horace Mann supported the development of free public schools. I also discussed major changes in American education, including Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, No Child Left Behind, and the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Researching these historical developments helped me understand how much education has changed over time. In the past, educational opportunities were not equally available to everyone, and many students faced discrimination or limited access to schools. Over the years, important laws and court decisions helped expand educational opportunities and improve the public school system.

Another important part of our topic was understanding how elected officials influence education today. Presidents and Congress can affect federal education policies, while governors and state lawmakers make important decisions about school budgets and educational standards. Local school boards also play an important role in managing school districts. This demonstrates that elections at every level of government can influence education.

Since I am currently a college student, this topic felt especially relevant to me. Education policies can affect tuition, financial aid, academic opportunities, and the resources available to students. Preparing and presenting this information helped me become more comfortable discussing an important political issue in front of my classmates. Overall, I enjoyed working on this topic because it showed me how closely education and elections are connected.

Group 3: Immigration Policies

The third group focused on immigration policies, which are another major issue influenced by elections. Immigration is an important topic in the United States because the country has a long history of welcoming people from different backgrounds. Immigration policies can affect families, employment opportunities, communities, and the economy.

One of the main ideas I took away from this topic was that immigration policies can change depending on the elected leaders and their priorities. Different political candidates may have different opinions about border security, immigration enforcement, legal immigration, and pathways to citizenship. These differences make immigration an important issue for voters to consider when choosing their representatives.

I also think it is important to recognize that immigration policies affect real people and families. Decisions made by the government can influence whether families are able to remain together, whether individuals can legally work in the country, and what opportunities are available to immigrants. Because of this, immigration should be discussed carefully and with an understanding of its effects on communities.

Another important aspect of immigration is its relationship with the economy and society. Immigrants contribute to different industries, businesses, and communities throughout the United States. At the same time, immigration policies involve debates about government resources, national security, and the legal immigration process. Understanding these different perspectives is important when evaluating political candidates.

Overall, Group 3's topic reminded me that elections can have major consequences for individuals and families. It also showed me why voters should research political positions instead of relying only on what they hear from other people or social media.

Group 4: Economy

The fourth group focused on the economy and how elections influence economic policies. I think this was one of the most relatable topics because the economy affects almost everyone, regardless of their age or background. Issues such as inflation, employment, taxes, and the cost of living are important concerns for many Americans.

One of the main things I learned from this topic was how elected officials can influence economic conditions through government policies. Presidents and lawmakers make decisions about taxation, government spending, and economic programs. These decisions can affect businesses, workers, and consumers throughout the country.

For example, changes in taxes can influence how much money individuals and businesses have available to spend or invest. Government spending can also affect public services, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. Although the economy is influenced by many factors beyond government decisions, elections can determine which economic policies leaders prioritize.

As a college student, I find economic issues especially important because they can affect my future career and financial stability. The cost of education, job opportunities, and everyday expenses are all things that students need to consider. Learning about the relationship between elections and economic policies helped me understand why voters often pay close attention to the economy during election campaigns.

Overall, I think Group 4 discussed an important subject because economic decisions can affect people's daily lives. Understanding candidates' economic priorities can help voters make decisions based on their own needs and the future of their communities.

Conclusion

After learning about all four topics, I have a better understanding of why elections matter and how they influence different parts of American society. The election process determines how citizens choose their leaders, while education, immigration, and economic policies demonstrate how those leaders' decisions can affect people's lives.

I also learned that voting is about more than supporting a particular candidate or political party. It involves understanding important issues, researching different perspectives, and considering how government decisions may affect the future. Each group contributed something different to this overall message, which made the presentations informative and meaningful.

Participating in my own group's presentation also helped me improve my public speaking skills and become more confident discussing education policies. Overall, this assignment reminded me that elections are an important part of democracy and that staying informed is one of the best ways people can prepare to participate in them.