In 1788, the nation’s Founding Fathers, understanding the dangers of vesting too much power in one leader, determined that a representative government would best safeguard people’s rights. The Congress and Senate would provide checks and balances on the powers allocated a president.

Men and women would be chosen by the people to represent them in Washington. Thus, the United States is a representative democracy or a democratic republic.

After 230 years, this is a very different nation. With modern complexities and vying powers, many suspect the power of the people is compromised by those who have assumed greater powers.

Too often, those who hold power have secured their positions through money and influence. They have succeeded in molding the political system to support ideological and financial goals. Today, elected leaders appear to take their orders from those powers, determining the course for the country, its economy, foreign relations and laws. The balance envisioned by the founders is failing; the powerful appear to be in control. In the federal courts and Supreme Court, a majority of cases are being decided in favor of corporate interests over working people; ideology over fairness. The selection process for the courts has become a battleground, with powerful groups the ultimate deciders.

On Nov. 6, voters have a chance to restore democratic priorities.

Sadly, fewer than half the people in this country exercise their right to vote to have a voice in their own welfare in critical life or death matters, health care, living wages, fairness and equality.

This nation’s tax system favors the wealthy, leaving little for other people’s welfare. The national debt has increased by trillions, with no planned remedy except for major changes to the social safety net — Medicare and Social Security privatized, programs aimed to assist those in need, reduced or eliminated.

With so much at stake the question is; will the people use the one power  they possess — their vote — to effect change?

When too few people vote, the person ascending the presidency is not chosen by the majority of Americans. This is a recipe for autocracy in which there is a supreme leader vested with unlimited power. With few checks and no stops, that poses a danger to democracy.

In a period of conflict and chaos, people are vulnerable, easily manipulated. The election in 2016 was just such a time. Many people felt misused and angry. Donald Trump, recognizing that, offered change. He promised safety, financial stability, better health care, jobs, salaries and schools — a Utopian future. The systems in place to protect democracy weakened. The press, the fourth estate, tasked with providing truth to the country, was enthralled by the spectacle of a man who couldn’t possibly win and failed to report inconsistencies, misinformation and outright lies. The time was right and Trump was the choice of only one-third of the people. Only 58 percent of eligible Americans voted, the majority for Hillary Clinton, but the Electoral College awarded Trump the presidency.

This is a time in which conflict and crisis once again demand redirection, and change is imminently possible. None of the Trump promises have materialized. Is it any wonder that people are distrustful and feeling powerless? It is common to hear complaints of personal injustices, of frustration fear and anger and questions of fairness in this country. People have also expressed attitudes of hopelessness, saying “what difference does it make?”

Will voters revisit hope and fight for change? It behooves each person to inspire others, give meaning to democratic citizenship — including the rights and responsibilities of each citizen and the importance of voting. People need encouragement. They must believe that their vote actually counts.

Every politician is skilled in reading the people and rhetorically fulfilling their needs. This setup creates confusion for the uninformed voter, often leading to withdrawal or blindly selecting a familiar name from signs lining the streets. The candidate with the most money has the most signs. Skepticism should be encouraged. Not all politicians are liars, a popular belief, but people must be guided to check a candidate’s record against his/her rhetoric. For many, that means a Google search; for others, a little more work, perhaps requiring assistance.

This nation has a two-party system — Republican and Democratic. Increasingly, the Republican Party, members of the House, Senate and presidency, show a predilection for corporate interests, wealth and power. The Democratic Party has spearheaded, against strong opposition, much of the social reform in this country: civil rights, marriage equality, equal rights and women’s rights.

Voters need to determine which party serves their needs best; who will fight for their rights and welfare.

Ideally, people will increase their understanding of this nation’s history, government and the importance of citizen participation.

The crisis is now. It is up to the voters to restore the democratic republic or this nation will certainly continue on the pathway to autocracy.

Patricia Fogg is a retired clinical counselor, a political and environmental activist and an organizer of RESIST Central Maine. She lives in Greene.