What kind of country do you want to live in?

The U.S. Constitution was crafted to establish three equal branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Drafted nearly 250 years ago, it has steered the nation through countless changes, innovations, and the development of laws that better represent the diverse population of immigrants. Each branch operates independently to prevent the abuse of power and to ensure accountability.

The Constitution also guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of religion, free elections, and free speech. Furthermore, the Second Amendment affirms Americans' right to bear arms, resulting in the United States having the highest private gun ownership in the world.

Recently, long-established norms and practices have been called into question and dismantled before our eyes. The U.S. House and Senate frequently align their actions with the demands of the executive branch. Additionally, a surprising Supreme Court decision has indicated that the President is largely immune from prosecution, while also overturning longstanding decisions like abortion and affirmative action. In a further development, thousands of federal employees have faced termination as part of Elon Musk’s unprecedented DOGE initiative.

Historically, since World War II, U.S. foreign policy has provided moral and strategic leadership to improve lives not only within America but also across democracies worldwide. The U.S. has built a formidable military to maintain peace through strength, while also striving to care for the less fortunate and promote stability globally by utilizing the recent destruction of USAID, the United States Agency for International Development.

The freshly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” is expected to lead to the loss of Medicaid for millions of Americans over time and may result in the closure of numerous rural hospitals nationwide. Meanwhile, uninsured  poor people, lacking preventive care, will end up in hospitals.

An immigration policy aimed at deporting illegal and undocumented individuals involved in criminal activity was a key issue, along with promises of economic growth for voters, which helped propel the President into office.  The “Big Beautiful Bill” provides funding of $45 billion through FY2029 to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for increased capacity in detention facilities to detain adults and families who are non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law). And $6 billion in funding through FY2029 for CBP inspection and surveillance equipment, screenings (including of unaccompanied children), rapid air and marine response capabilities, vetting, and activities to prevent drug trafficking.

The implemented tariff policies are generating billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury; however, this reshaping of global trade has also contributed to higher prices on goods, from electronics to clothing, for American consumers. Declining imports and supply chain disruptions may increase inflation. Overall, while tariffs can protect certain industries, they often come at the cost of higher prices and reduced choices for American consumers in the short to medium term.

The dismissal of Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer, raises concerns regarding the accuracy of the agency’s future reports on job growth and other labor statistics, potentially prompting investors to question the reliability of future labor data.

The move away from renewable energy toward greater dependence on fossil fuels—gas, coal, and oil—will impede the country's renewables progress and advantage China, which has emerged as a leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy advancements.

Shockingly, the deployment of armed soldiers in Washington D.C., along with plans to station troops in other cities—most governed by Black mayors and Democratic administrations—marks an unprecedented and starkly sickening shift in the federal government’s strategy for urban security.

Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings Metro, said Trump’s approach to the nation’s largest cities is “colonial” in that he wants to benefit from their prodigious economic output while suppressing their independence and political clout. This administration is “treating America’s great economic engines as weak and problematic colonial outposts,” Muro said. “They view them as the problem, when (in reality) they are the absolute base of American competitiveness in the battle against China or whoever (else).”

What actions can Americans take to protect our democracy and preserve the fragile balance of power that has sustained us for the past 250 years?

We begin by reflecting: What kind of country do you aspire to live in, and how can you contribute to building it? Do you imagine a nation rooted in principles such as safety, opportunity, sustainability, and community? Or perhaps you envision a country that promotes equality, environmental stewardship, innovation, or celebrates cultural diversity.

So, how can you make that vision a reality? Consider these steps:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with current issues and policies affecting your community and country.

• Participate: Vote in elections, join local organizations, or advocate for causes you believe in.

• Volunteer: Support community projects, charities, or initiatives that align with your values.

• Engage: Diversify your media sources and talk with others in your state to broaden your perspective.

• Educate Others: Share knowledge and foster dialogue about important social and environmental issues.

• Advocate: Protest peacefully to ensure your voice is heard by citizens and elected officials.

• Join Civic and Advocacy Groups: Get involved with organizations working towards positive change.

• Attend Town Hall Meetings and Public Forums: Stay connected with local governance.

• Support Policy Reforms: Advocate for changes like redistricting reform and voting rights.

The United States has endured and overcome tremendous challenges—slavery, a civil war, two world wars, Korean conflict, Viet Nam war, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, economic depressions, presidential assassinations, civil rights struggles, racism, pandemic and more. Americans are resilient, and will persevere through the current challenges, including authoritarian tendencies in the administration.

It's crucial to stay engaged and work actively to uphold democracy and resist authoritarian shifts. Get involved and make your voice and vote count!

Virgil L. Smith formerly served as president and publisher of the Asheville Citizen-Times and Vice President for Human Resources for the Gannett Company. He is the principal for the Smith Edwards Group and the author of "The Keys to Effective Leadership.” He is the founder and a writer for Carolina Commentary.