Jefferson City, Mo. – Annetta St. Clair, associate professor of political science, teaches Legislative Process, and on March 29, her students were able to see exactly what she was talking about.

All semester, legislative process students have been researching a senator and a representative. The trip to the Capitol allowed students to meet their research project in person, as well as look for more information for their projects.

“I find it remarkable how they make order out of chaos,” said Mica Henry, senior political science major.

Henry had the opportunity to interview Sen. Harold Caskey (D-Butler). He was impressed with the knowledge the senator had on education and the amount of studies he had done.

“He handed me this book and said this is everything you need to know,” Henry said.

Other students found the trip gave them more insight into who actually runs for office.

“I used to think just anybody could do this,” said Brendan Walker, senior political science major. “But now I understand why a lot these guys are lawyers and insurance agents. It helps if you already understand the process and know the jargon.”

One student found out politicians were not as bad as she thought.

“I used to think that politicians were all corrupt,” said Jenni Sexton, junior political science major. “This is life and politics is only as corrupt as your own personal life.”

While researching their politicians, some found bills that they could stand behind.

“Sen. Ken Jacob (D-Columbia) wants to introduce a bill that would get rid of term limits,” said Earl Garrett, junior political science major. “I’m personally against term limits.”

Garrett also researched Rep. Bryan Pratt (R-Blue Springs), and the bill he is working on would define cloning.

“While most people agree that human cloning is wrong, there are mixed views on other aspects to all human cloning, like stem cell research,” Garrett said.

While at the Capitol, the students were able to sit in on the current session. Mike Cavener, junior secondary education major, was interested in House Bill 35 that was getting ready to be discussed.

“This bill is setting a moral standard,” Cavener said. “If you allow same-sex marriage, what is there to prevent two brothers from getting married?”

After spending time in Sen. Gary Nodler’s (R-Joplin) office, the Democratic and Republican headquarters and the whispering room at the Capitol, St. Clair’s students returned home to finish work on their research projects.