Sick of dodging potholes on your daily commute? Good news. It's not a fate you have to accept forever. There IS something you can do to change it. That's because the quality of the roads you drive on is controlled at the state and local levels, like lots of decisions that affect our daily lives. And our state and local politicians make these decisions based on what we the people vote for in local elections — from how your tax dollars are spent to the hours of operation at your child's favorite park. 

Think adding a stop sign to a specific block in your neighborhood will make it more safe? Hate when your paper straw dissolves into your morning coffee? These are all things you CAN control with some good, old-fashioned participation, because participation means representation. 

Creating change doesn't have to be a big and lofty goal that eats up all of your time. It's as simple as paying attention to what goes on in your community. Find easy ways you can get involved by hitting play on S2E3. 

Check out our Show Memo to find resources you can use to get involved in your community.

Additional topics covered in this episode:

• Learn about federalism and the overall scope of federal power, a.k.a. enumerated powers
• Get the statistics on voter turnout rates

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Have questions about our government or its systems, laws, or policies? Send an email to americandreamoncaffeine@gmail.com or call (260) MY-DREAM

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