Since the beginning of 2019, the world of politics has experienced a lot of new changes. From the president to the recent government shutdown, there’s been different sides and opinions to all the controversy.

Some of our history teachers were asked for their thoughts on current political trends, as well as what students should be aware of.

“I encourage students to pay close attention to the Supreme Court, the constitution and presidential powers,” Rodney Lee said. “Given the Democratic majority in the House and a Republican held presidency, we’re going to see several clashes between the two.”

The teachers also gave their predictions regarding upcoming political events in the new year.

“My prediction for 2019, 2018 all over again,” Lee said. “I think current issues will play out through the court system: immigration ban, border wall, etc.”

Jeremiah Mattingly believes that we should be focused on action rather than words.

“I ask students to look for what our elected officials have done or are working on, not what they are saying or tweeting,” Mattingly responded.

He also went on to say that we have many new members of Congress that represent different races, genders, religions, etc. than what we’re used to as a country.

With these changes, Mattingly believes “our differences will appear less, and actual solutions to problems will appear more,” since more groups of individuals will be represented properly.

Political predictions aren’t looking so positive for other teachers, however. Some believe 2019 holds a turn for the worst, and that regression is ahead.

“I think it’ll be lots of fireworks, little compromise and lots of conflict,” Bradley Baker said.

Similar to Baker’s view, Robbin Faulkner believes “less will get done.”

Sees discontent ahead, Anna Slawter remained neutral and open minded.

“I think that Republicans that are unhappy, will vote for Democrats, and I think that Democrats that are unhappy will vote for Republicans,” Slawter said. “I don’t know which way it’s going to shift, but I think people are unhappy with the government, so they’re going to start changing their allegiance.”