Warren Spannaus, Minnesota Attorney General from 1971 to 1983 and former Democratic candidate for governor, spoke to Gary Peter and Karen Miksch’s PsTL 1246 Engaging Citizenship and Democracy students. Mr. Spannaus talked about important U.S. Supreme Court decisions as well as issues related to the outcome of the recent election, including the ongoing debate about whether the Electoral College should be discontinued. He also discussed the two proposed constitutional amendments (voter ID and same-sex marriage) that were on the ballot, the political factors that led to their defeat, and the recent change in party control of the Minnesota legislature. Mr. Spannaus stressed to students the importance of their individual votes and understanding the structure and power of government. The decisions made by elected officials can have a much longer effect than the time an individual may serve in office.