Program Level Objectives Met With This Assignment Social Res

Program Level Objectives Met With This Assignmentsocial Responsibilit

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Texas 2018 election cycle by researching candidates, analyzing their platforms, and reflecting on your own voting preferences and responsibilities. The assignment involves taking a political quiz, researching local representation, evaluating candidate policies, and reflecting on political engagement and voter eligibility. Your paper should adhere to MLA guidelines, be at least 1000 words, and include a works cited page citing all sources used.

Paper For Above instruction

The Texas 2018 election cycle presents a crucial moment for citizens to engage deeply with the political landscape, understanding the candidates who are vying for various offices and the policies they advocate. This assignment aims to foster critical thinking and social responsibility by requiring a personal analysis of political alignment, candidate evaluation, and civic participation. In this paper, I will reflect on my political identification, research my local and state representatives, scrutinize candidate platforms, and consider my role as an informed voter.

Initial Political Self-Assessment

Before taking the political quiz provided, I believed I most aligned with the Democratic Party, given my values on social justice, healthcare, and environmental policies. However, upon completing the quiz, I found that my results indicated a moderate Republican stance. This discrepancy prompted me to reflect on my core values and the factors influencing my political perceptions. The quiz results aligned with some facets of my beliefs, particularly regarding fiscal conservatism, but diverged on social issues where I lean more liberal. I believe this contrast arises from the complexity of political ideologies and the limitations of simplified quizzes, which may not fully capture personal nuances.

Representation and Awareness

Researching my local district revealed that I am represented by State Senator Jane Doe and State Representative John Smith. Prior to this assignment, I was aware of them only peripherally; I knew Jane Doe was involved in state legislation related to education reform, and John Smith had participated in local community initiatives. My awareness was largely due to local news coverage and community events. This exercise helped me recognize the importance of staying informed about my representatives' actions and policy positions, which I had previously overlooked.

Policy Issues Facing Candidates

The predominant policy issues confronting the candidates include healthcare accessibility, education funding, infrastructure development, criminal justice reform, and economic growth. For instance, the gubernatorial candidates debate the extent of Medicaid expansion, with implications for public health and state budgets. Education funding remains contentious, with candidates proposing varied approaches to address teacher salaries and infrastructure needs. Criminal justice reform is another critical issue, focusing on sentencing laws and community policing. These issues directly impact residents' daily lives and shape the political landscape of Texas.

Candidate Platforms and Personal Considerations

In evaluating the candidates' platforms, several stand out as particularly compelling. Candidate A's emphasis on expanding healthcare access aligns with my concern for public health equity. Conversely, Candidate B's focus on reducing taxes appeals to my interest in fiscal conservatism. Policies advocating social justice reform, environmental protection, and educational investment influence my voting inclination. For example, a candidate's commitment to renewable energy projects resonates with my environmental values and could sway my vote if I were eligible. These considerations underscore the importance of aligning personal values with candidate platforms.

Media Engagement and Social Media

Throughout the campaign, I have observed various commercials and social media posts from candidates. While some advertisements are informative, others rely on fear-mongering or mudslinging, which diminishes their credibility. I have found myself increasingly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and more interested in fact-checking candidate statements. Considering following my local representatives on social media is a logical step to stay informed about their positions and constituency activities, promoting civic engagement beyond election seasons.

Voting Eligibility and Civic Responsibility

To vote in Texas, one must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the district, and registered to vote. The 2018 election was held on November 6, and I checked my registration status; I am eligible and registered. I understand that voting is both a right and a civic responsibility, enabling citizens to influence governance and policy decisions directly. My eligibility underscores my duty to participate actively in democratic processes.

Reflections and Future Civic Engagement

This assignment has significantly enhanced my understanding of the electoral process and the importance of informed voting. It demonstrated that political engagement is not just about voting but also about understanding the issues, evaluating candidates critically, and staying connected with representatives. If I am eligible to vote in future elections, I am committed to participating actively. Engaging in this research has reinforced my belief that voting is a vital civic duty, essential for maintaining a representative democracy.

Conclusion

Overall, this assignment has been an enlightening experience, extending my comprehension of state politics, election issues, and personal civic responsibilities. The process of researching candidates, analyzing policies, and reflecting on my political stance has deepened my appreciation for active citizenship. Moving forward, I intend to remain informed and engaged, recognizing that active participation in elections and civic discussions is fundamental to shaping a just and effective government.

Works Cited

  • Texas Secretary of State. “Register to Vote.” https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/registration.shtml.
  • Texas Election Calendar. “2018 Election Dates and Deadlines.” https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/election-calendar.shtml.
  • Candidate Platforms for Texas 2018 State Elections. Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/elections/2018/.
  • Ballotpedia. “Texas State Elections, 2018.” https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_elections,_2018.
  • Federal Election Commission. “Candidate and Committee Disclosures.” https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/register-candidate.
  • League of Women Voters. “Election Resources and Information.” https://www.lwv.org.
  • National Conference of State Legislatures. “Texas State Legislature and Policies.” https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/texas-state-legislature.aspx.
  • Public Policy Polling. “Texas Voter Trends and Public Opinion.” https://www.publicpolicypolling.com.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Policy Issues in Texas.” https://www.cdc.gov.
  • Environmental Defense Fund. “Renewable Energy Policies in Texas.” https://www.edf.org.

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