On Saturday, March 28, thousands of people across 50 locations in Connecticut gathered in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and other communities throughout the state for the “No Kings” rallies. These rallies are a part of a nationwide call to reaffirm a basic principle of our democracy: no one is above the law. The energy was unmistakable. Students spoke with urgency about the future they are inheriting. Community members shared why civil liberties matter in their daily lives. Creative, handmade, often deeply personal signs filled the crowds. Across all three cities, the message was clear: people are paying attention, and they expect accountability. Moments like this are often framed as political. They are not. They are constitutional. This country was founded on the idea that power is constrained by law and accountable to the public. That principle is not self-enforcing. It depends on institutions that uphold it and on people willing to defend it. Right now, that principle is being tested. We are seeing pressure on the systems that safeguard our rights, the independence of courts, limits on executive authority, and the expectation that laws are applied fairly and consistently. When those guardrails weaken, the effects do not stay in Washington. The statewide rallies made one thing clear. Connecticut residents expect their leaders to meet this moment. They expect local elected officials to speak up. They expect them to defend rights.And they expect them to ensure that our state remains a place where the rule of law is respected. At the ACLU of Connecticut, we are working every day  in courts, at the Capitol, and in communities to protect civil liberties here at home. This includes advancing policies that strengthen voting rights, protect personal privacy, ensure government accountability, and safeguard access to essential services without fear. We are advocating for expanded access to the ballot, including no-excuse absentee voting, so that participation reflects the realities of people’s lives. We are pushing for stronger limits on surveillance technologies, so that privacy and freedom of movement are not quietly eroded. We are working to ensure that individuals can hold government officials accountable when rights are violated. And we support protections for sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship. These are not abstract policy debates. They are about whether people in Connecticut can live, work, and participate in civic life with dignity. Public action plays an essential role in that work. What we saw that weekend was a clear signal that people are engaged and ready to participate — not just in rallies, but in the ongoing work of shaping their communities and holding leaders accountable. That work does not end when the crowds disperse. It continues in conversations with elected officials, in legislative advocacy, and in the everyday choices people make to stay informed and involved. Connecticut has a strong tradition of upholding civil liberties and the rule of law. Preserving that tradition requires leadership and participation. March 28 showed that people across this state are ready to do their part. Now, they are looking to their elected officials to do the same. David McGuire is Executive Director of the ACLU of Connecticut.   ...read more read less