Teaching the American political system to our NYMA Cadets I am heart warmed by their curiosity and questions. As we have watched Iowa, New Hampshire, the Democratic Debate, and survey Nevada and South Carolina for next week with Super Tuesday looming in the wings, I hope their interest and education will spur investment in our nation later, as these cadets attain the age of suffrage. Beginning “We the people,” our Constitution declares straightforwardly who is sovereign in America.  However, when looking at the number of people who participate in our government by casting their votes either in the midterms or in presidential elections it is evident that many Americans do not take part in their government. Why?  National Public Radio (NPR) asked this question after the 2018 midterm election and with the assistance of the Pew Research Center discovered that correlations in voting trends are connected to age, education, and economics.  As to age, 74% of those 18-29 elect not to cast a vote on Election Day.  “I feel like my voice doesn’t matter,” one Rhode Islander remarked.  But education plays a part, too.  Many are intimidated by the process and are uncertain as to how to vote.  The First Amendment guarantees the citizens of the nation the right to “petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”  We the people can do this by emailing our congressperson, senator, or the president but the most direct way to effect change is by casting one’s vote.  With voter turnout averaging 59%, or 4 out of 10 eligible voters not casting a vote, the greatest threat to our Constitution is the lack of interest in our government and the feeling of powerlessness of American citizens.  So, how do we fix it?  Watch the news with your children, start a conversation, take them to the polling places, and hopefully you too will have your heart warmed by the same curiosity demonstrated by my class of NYMA Cadets.  — Christine C. McDonald, Dean of Academics