Read through this website. You’ll get the basics of how our government is supposed to work, and how some of our elected representatives are driving it off the road. Don’t let them fool you. Our government was forged in iron and a price paid in blood several hundred years ago. It’s the law. Make them follow it.

This is the most fundamental and powerful tool you have in a democracy. It is the ultimate expression of your opinion and the one time when every citizen is on an equal footing. Your vote is your non-negotiable right to be heard.‍ You can check your status or register online at vote.gov. Then, make a plan to vote in every election—not just the presidential ones.

Know who represents you at the local, state, and federal level. If you want to keep it simple, focus on your national representatives (then figure out the rest). You have one Representative in the House of Representatives and two Senators in the Senate. You can find them at www.usa.gov/elected-officials  Email, text, and call them and tell them how you feel about things.

You don't have to follow every single political debate to start. The news can be overwhelming. Instead, just pick one topic that directly affects your life or your values. It makes politics personal and manageable. You can become knowledgeable about one area without feeling buried by everything else.

This may be painful, but it’s important. You need to be informed. Stay away from services that deliver propaganda, vice news. You don’t need to be told what to think. Any search site can help you find real news. When listening to politicians, keep in mind the short background on this site regarding how they attempt to lead you astray.