91% of Americans do not have faith in Congress, and ultimately, their elected officials. This could be a reason why voter turn-out is so low. When people are hopeless and feel powerless, it is easier for those with wealth and influence to amass power.

In Ancient Rome, the politicians and eventually, the emperors, would consistently hold gladiatorial fights and give away bread to feed the masses. One influential satirist and poet, Juvenal viewed these handouts as a method of appeasement and wrote: “Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses”

Hundreds of years before, the Greek city-state of Athens was home to some of the most influential western thinkers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Sophocles Athens is also considered the “birthplace of democracy” and was also known to have an active citizenry who engaged each other. Solon, an Athenian reformer and poet once said: “We can have justice whenever those who have not been injured by injustice are as outraged by it as those who have been.”

Of course, the Roman people were known to express their outrage against the individuals in charge when they felt it necessary and in order to be considered a citizen in Athens, one had to be a man who had completed military training. The vast majority of the population, women, slaves, freed slaves, children and immigrants were not allowed to participate the Athenians direct democracy. There has never been a perfect society on the face of this earth.

But, isn’t perfection something to be aspired to?

The People’s Mic was developed in order to get around a New York City Ordinance. According to the NYCLU: “If you want to use amplified sound on public property… you will need a permit.” Since the New York City protesters were unable to use amplification, they developed the People’s Mic and by collectively speaking together learned to become their own amplification system. When one uses the People’s Mic, they speak in short sentences and those short sentences are repeated back so everyone in the crowd can hear.

Richard Kim of The Nation wrote: “It is, of course, ironic that New York City’s attempt to crackdown on political protest by restricting “amplified sound” unwittingly ended up contributing to the structural strength of its rowdiest protest in decades. But like in Egypt or Argentina or Belarus or other places where the authorities sought to silence speech, the people found a way to be heard.”

The way one can start the People’s Mic is by yelling “Mic Check”. If you are in a large crowd of people, others will repeat “Mic Check” and be ready to listen and repeat, so everyone can hear. This ensures in a large group of people, one’s voice will be heard without amplified sound.

Quickly, activists realized the People’s Mic could be used in a different way- to hold their elected officials accountable. How many of us have sent letters or emails off to our elected officials, only to receive a hastily written form letter most likely sent by an intern? How can one gain access to their elected officials if they do not have the money wealth or influence?

Well, that’s why the People’s Mic is so brilliant. The people can stand together and question their elected officials- by raising their voices collectively and holding them accountable for the actions they take.

When I watch the videos below, my heart swells with pride for those who have the courage to confront elected officials who have seemingly forgotten who they are supposed to represent.

Mic Check of Scott Walker

Mic Check of Eric Cantor

Mic Check of Karl Rove

Mic Check of Barack Obama

Mic Check of Michele Bachmann

Mic Check of Rahm Emanuel

On May 30, 1989, Karen Cole Huttlinger wrote in a letter to the editor of the New York Times: “The founders of our system envisioned citizens who would take a leave from their jobs and lives, ‘lend’ their experience to the business of government and then return to private life. Through career politicians we have allowed a culture of access, influence and self-interest to grow up.” Representing the American people should be considered a honor and those elected must be held accountable to their constituencies.

The People’s Mic is a way of reminding those elected officials that they are responsible to the people- not lobbyists, not corporate money, not their own self-interests. We must remember- together we are powerful. Our collective voices raised together in unity is louder than any amount of money the 1% can spend on misleading campaign ads and stronger than a trillion speeches filled with empty promises.

We must always remember the slogan that many protesters commonly use: “The People united can never be defeated.”