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Kudos to ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Attorney General Kris Mayes as well as her counterparts — the attorneys general in other states who have collaborated with her — for successfully litigating to preserve our constitutional democracy. Their court victories have been numerous and important, demonstrating that the rule of law can hold.

Attorney General Mayes’ most recent victory obtained a judicial determination from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit holding that many of President Trump’s most punishing tariffs are illegal. The court found that the president does not possess unlimited authority to impose taxes on nearly all imports to the United States. Under the Constitution, primary authority for tariffs rests instead with the Congress.

Sadly and frighteningly, the Congress has abdicated its responsibility to rein in a president who is acting contrary to law. Thankfully, the courts have continued to function, for the most part, to preserve the rule of law and enforce the Constitution and federal statutes.

There are many ways in which people are resisting the autocratic actions and problematic policies of President Trump and his administration, some productive, some not.

The litigation brought by Attorney General Mayes, along with her counterparts in other states, has been very productive. Utilizing the judicial branch of government is vital to upholding the rule of law in our constitutional democracy.

Campaigning and voting to elect members of Congress who will do their job to assert congressional authority and re-balance the powers of the federal government is also productive. It is the Congress, not the President, that should be making laws, adopting the budget, and imposing taxes and tariffs. Adelita Grijalva, candidate for Representative in our local Congressional District 7, credibly promises to do that important job properly. Her opponent has made clear he would do the opposite. So, for those who live in CD7, it is important to vote right now for Ms. Grijalva.

Peacefully protesting, speaking out, writing letters to the editor, and posting on social media can be productive. Television comics pointing out humorous absurdities also can be productive. Mocking President Trump’s various types of criminal and unconstitutional actions, as well as his dishonesty, is productive, as it raises awareness about the wrongfulness of his actions. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent tweets mimicking President Trump’s own tweets regarding political and social issues are quite productive.

However, the tit-for-tat gerrymandering proposed by Governor Newsom is counter-productive because gerrymandering violates the Civil Rights Act and is undemocratic. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Moreover, mocking the physical appearance, physical health, mental acuity, and demeanor of President Trump and leaders of his administration is also counter-productive. Those opposing President Trump should not stoop to his level of cruelty. We need to be better than that.

Finally, it is not productive to be scattered with a lack of focus and prioritization in what we challenge and what we promote. The top priority must be resisting rising autocracy and fascism in this country, protecting and preserving the Constitution and the rule of law. What is at stake is the very survival of our constitutional democracy. For this reason, it is most productive at this time in our nation’s history to support all those who, regardless of political party affiliation, stand up for the rule of law and act with integrity and fidelity to the Constitution. For example, even if one disagrees with Republican Liz Cheney on most policy issues, she should be supported because she is a person of integrity who stands for upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and our democracy. There are others in the Republican Party who, like Ms. Cheney, are taking action and speaking out against the unconstitutional and criminal actions of President Trump. They are people of courage who deserve support. Sadly, Congressional Representative Juan Ciscomani is not among them; so, he should be voted out in 2026.

We are in a time of great crisis in this country caused by President Trump and his enablers. All of us who care about our constitutional democracy must exert our energy to use whatever productive means we can to preserve it.