Many Americans had great hope for a different outcome of the most recent Presidential election. We hoped the country was ready to elect a Black woman and move us one step farther from our racist and sexist roots. Instead, it feels like we are going backward willingly. It might make us question whether the state ideals for our country are still empty promises for many of us. There is evidence of that.
Our Flawed History
Approximately 25% of our founding fathers enslaved other humans for their own personal benefit. Most of them were probably either wealthy enough to have paid a monetary price for their wives or received a dowry to help with the household expenses that came with marriage to the daughter of a wealthy man. Often, that dowry included enslaved people.
We don’t yet have a long history of valuing all human lives. Regardless of political party affiliation, many Americans would argue that we have no such history and was never truly intended. The Declaration of Independence does only read “all men are created equal,” and this was not documented in the Constitution. Yet there is also evidence of attempts to correct these oversights.
Some Improvement
Throughout this country’s relatively short history, our leaders have come together to pass landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These laws, and many others, were hard-fought victories that expanded the rights and protections for marginalized groups of people.
While we may feel discouraged by recent events, it’s important to remember that progress is always possible, even if it often takes much longer than we would like or think it should. As an employment lawyer and mediator who has personally experienced both the injustices of discrimination and the power of the legal system, I can attest to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.
A Call to Action
Here are some actionable steps we can take, regardless of who is in power:
- Educate Yourself. Stay informed about current events and political issues. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries to broaden your understanding of history, social justice, and human rights.
- Vote. Participate in local, state, and federal elections. Research candidates and issues carefully, and cast your vote for those who align with your values.
- Get Involved. Volunteer your time to organizations working for social justice, environmental protection, or other causes you care about. Even an hour or two per month of activity toward change can make a difference. (Imagine if everyone gave even that small amount toward improving their communities!)
- Support Local Businesses. Patronize businesses owned by people of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and other individuals from marginalized groups. This helps to create a more equitable economy and strengthens our communities.
- Practice Empathy. Seek to understand the perspectives of others, even if you disagree with them. Engage in respectful dialogue and avoid personal attacks.
Limitations on the Power of the Presidency
The United States Constitution provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one person or branch of government from becoming too powerful. Although there are occasional leaders who will test that system, the legislative and judicial branches, as well as state and local governments, play crucial roles in shaping our nation’s laws and policies.
Here are some examples of checks and balances in place to protect against unjust actions:
Unjust Prosecution of Political Rivals
- Judicial Independence. The judiciary is separate from the executive branch and has the power to review the legality of executive actions, including arrests and prosecutions. Judges have typically spent decades studying and preparing for their roles and are appointed for life, theoretically insulating them from political pressure. We might not always like their decisions, but their reasoning usually follows legal standards.
- Grand Jury System. Grand juries are independent bodies that determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict someone for a crime. This provides a layer of protection against politically motivated prosecutions.
- Due Process Rights. The Constitution guarantees due process rights, including the right to a fair trial, the right to confront accusers, and the right to legal counsel. These rights help to ensure that prosecutions are based on evidence and the rule of law, not political expediency.
Elimination of Administrative Agencies
- Congressional Oversight. The President is not the one who has the power to create and abolish administrative agencies. That power is reserved for Congress, which can also investigate an agency’s activities and hold it accountable. Congress can also reduce or increase funding, which can impact their ability to function.
- Judicial Review. Courts can also review the actions of administrative agencies and strike down regulations that are deemed to be unlawful or unconstitutional. This provides a check on the power of agencies to make rules and regulations.
It’s important to note that while these checks and balances exist, they are not foolproof. It’s up to citizens like you and me to be vigilant. We must hold our elected officials accountable with our votes, voices, and participation. Our governmental systems will continue to be tested by Presidents, natural disasters, wars, and societal changes. Let us not despair, but rather, let us channel our energy into positive action. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all, regardless of who holds official titles. It is up to us to lead.