Politics are a huge part of life, whether people realize it on a day-to-day basis or not. What goes on in the government ultimately affects every life.

Some students are not opinionated on politics and could care less, while others believe in the importance of politics.

Senior Samantha Rohleder tries to keep a close eye on politics that affect social standards.

“I also pay attention to big events or happenings in the United States and elsewhere and I pay very close attention to the presidential races,” Rohleder said.

Sophomore Kinsey Ackerman said she hears about politics daily, since she is taking the class Current Issues.

“I care because what the government does affects our generation and our future as adults,” Ackerman said. “I feel like it affects everybody’s life. Whether it’s the job economy in the future, taxes, or even changes in the law, it affects everyone.”

Junior Kaelan Dietze said he pays some attention to politics.

“I only care what goes on with politics if it directly affects my life,” Dietze said. “But I don’t really feel like politics affect my life, because when the government shutdown was going on, it didn’t affect me directly.”

Dietze said at his age, he feels like politics are just superfluous and uncalled-for.

“I do feel like it does affect others’ lives because other people are more directly involved in politics than I am,” Dietze said.

Senior Brett Hertel said he doesn’t really pay much attention to politics unless it’s something major like Presidential Elections or State of the Union.

“At this point I really don’t care what goes on with the government or feel like it affects me but I know later on in my life it will,” Hertel said.

History teacher Ron Leikam said he truly believe that the majority of high school students do not pay close enough attention to what goes on in the government.

“Unfortunately many students and adults do not even possess basic knowledge about how government works or is supposed to work,” Leikam said. “There is a term out there that addresses the lack of understanding of our government and the people and issues that affect it.  The term is ‘low information voters.’ I guess it is a politically correct term to describe those individuals who do not care enough about the issues or who have a desire to educate themselves about these issues.”

Leikam believes that students and people in general should pay more attention to politics.

“With what is going on within this state concerning the budget and the funding of schools, students should be aware that all these issues affect them directly,” Leikam said. “They need to know what the politicians are doing or not doing. They need to know which political leaders are truly representing their views, beliefs, and interests.”

Leikam said there are no good excuses for not knowing the issues or the people running for office.

“There are more than enough opportunities to gain this information,” Leikam said. “One only needs to watch the local and national news, read magazines or newspapers, or search the internet.”

Although most students do not seem to acquire any general interest in politics, there are students like Rohleder or freshman Madison Crees who feel like politics do affect them directly.

“My parents are always talking about politics, so I tend to pay attention to the important ordeals going on in the world,” Crees said. “Not to mention that my stepdad teaches Political Science at Fort Hays State University, so I can always get an earful if I want.”

Crees said she really cares about what goes on in the government, because in three short years, she will be able to have a say in some parts of it.

“Politics really have an effect on our everyday lives,” Crees said. “Everything that happens, or every law that is passed is going to affect us, if not directly, then indirectly.”

However, Crees doesn’t believe politics always have to have a negative effect.

“We need politics and law and government so our already hectic lives don’t get more out of tune,” Crees said.

Crees said students in general should be more mindful of the United States government.

“If it’s going to affect your life in some way, you should probably at least pay it some attention,” Crees said.

Leikam said when students don’t care about politics, it’s not that they can’t learn about it, it’s that they don’t want to.

“The opportunities are out there,” Leikam said. “The desire may not be. I also believe that concern and appreciation for government and politics for most people comes with age.  The older one becomes, the more these issues seem to matter.”

Rohleder said she absolutely believes politics affect her life, and that more young people should be aware of government affairs.

“This country is very influenced by politics and knowing about it will only make you more prepared to face the real world someday,” Rohleder said. “However, are we going to notice how much politics affect us in day-to-day life? Probably not.”

15sberens@usd489.com