AP Government, a class offered at Oak Park High School, teaches how the U.S. government runs, its politics and rules. This year, students get to see what they have learned in the classroom take place on the national stage. 

“It’s really interesting to talk about how the candidates get elected and the whole process, and to really learn about it,” senior Giselle Lahooti said. 

Russ Peters is teaching AP Government for the first time this year. Although he has taught other classes during past elections, this is the first time he is able to teach the government class simultaneously with the presidential election.  

“It’s fantastic because of the fact that we’re having an election today for the President. So what we have learned in class and what we’re still learning applies to everything that’s going on right now,” Peters said.  

While AP Government has always been a graduation requirement for seniors, the course’s material is especially relevant in an election year.

“It’s an AP government class, but history is being made every minute today,” Peters said. “So it’s a really good time to be in AP government to see how what we learn actually is in the real world.”

Peters advised eligible students to vote. He emphasized the importance to his students of their vote and its impact on America. 

“I do urge them to just go out and vote, because that’s their voice that should be heard. Especially from the younger people now,” Peters said. 

Natalia Galstian is a senior in AP government and has gained a lot more knowledge on what is going on with the election. 

“The election is very important so being able to be in AP Government and learning about current events and policies helps me make a well-rounded, informed decision,” Galstian said. 

Compared to past years, this class has helped students stay informed on policies from both parties and form their own opinions. Even for the students not old enough to vote, they still can learn so much about what they are seeing in the media and what is going on in our country’s changing government. 

“It’s a great experience for the students, to see the practicality of a classroom and what’s actually happening in real life today,” Peters said. “With the President and this being such a close race, it’s going to be very interesting.”