Many students wonder why they should take government courses. They think that they are not affected by the actions of our government or that knowing about it will not help them in their lives at all. Or worse, they think they don't have the power to influence the government because of their age. Fortunately, none of these things are true. The United States government is an important part of the lives of all American citizens, including those under the age of eighteen. Our government has the same effect on students as it does on anyone else. Laws created, enforced, and interpreted by the different branches of government control what we can and cannot do. Both adults and minors use public services. In addition to these obvious aspects, there are many others that affect students' daily lives more directly. Budgetary allocations for education determine the quality of schools attended each weekday. The education students receive ultimately alters what they will do in later life. Decisions made by courts can change how educational facilities and students' rights are managed while they are in school, such as Engel v. Vitale, Tinker v. Des Moines and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier. These landmark cases have set precedents and have had a major impact on the daily lives of current and future students. Laws that dictate what is allowed, as well as required, to be taught in schools are another way the government shapes the views of today's youth. Learning certain things (rather than others) can change the way a student sees the world. For example, teaching the Theory of Evolution rather than Creationism or abstinence rather than sex education can shape a... middle of paper... and bring attention to causes important to students across the world. world. .While they may not have as much power as adults when it comes to the federal government, students are equally important. They are influenced by the activities of their superiors as much as any other minority in America. Government class can be helpful in educating minors about how their government relates to them and how they can influence their authority. By speaking up and making themselves heard, children can be equally effective in their efforts to change the government to fit their needs. In a democracy the most important voice is that of the people. Age should not be a determining factor in the importance of a group or individual's opinions. If America cannot satisfy the will of a relatively large percentage of its citizens, how can it call itself a true democracy??