Many responses to our new president’s inauguration so far have not been positive.

After Jan. 20, public opposition exploded. Demonstrators around the world organized full-scale public protests. They took to the streets and chanted, “Hands too small, can’t build a wall”; “We reject the president-elect”; and, “Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like.”

When their ideal system of democracy was seemingly overturned by the electoral vote, these Americans felt fear. For some, it was a fear of Trump’s climate-change denials. For others, it was a fear of the unknown lying ahead for all the marginalized groups in the U.S., against whom terrible hate crimes have surfaced one after another since Nov. 8.

I agree that these fears are justified. Trump made many promises as a candidate that represented genuine threats to people’s wellbeing. From restricting U.S. entry for entire populations, to repealing the Affordable Care Act, and even to withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it is no wonder that people are panicking.

But despite this, I encourage you to give democracy — the system put forth by our founding fathers — a chance. And in doing so, remind yourself that we have yet to really see Trump outside of his New York Penthouse, as he only recently entered the Oval Office. Despite our overwhelming fears, and our anxiety for our country’s future, we need to give him a chance.

People do change in response to their environment, and our president is no exception. The man outside the penthouse may still mold his character into one that will accommodate more Americans.

For one, consider Trump’s history of pro-Democrat leanings. Aside from being a registered Democrat in the years 2001 to 2008, he once supported taxing the wealthy, legalizing drugs and even enforcing a single-payer health care system. These are liberal views, so we should consider the possibility that the dreary future we see with Trump may be clouded by ignorance of both history and reality. He can still integrate Democratic ideas into his policies.

And if you aren’t willing to listen to Hillary Clinton’s request — the one asking for us to look upon Trump with “an open mind” and give him “the chance to lead” — then have faith in our system of checks and balances. It ensures that no one branch of government, including the executive branch, wields excessive power.

Because of this system, Trump’s influence is still limited. When he proposes a bill to the Senate or House of Representatives, he still needs the approval of both houses of Congress if it is to be passed. If it’s anything controversial, it’ll have to withstand the courts as well.

If he wants to overturn any Supreme Court rulings, President Trump needs to go through Congress again. He cannot easily do away with over two centuries of decisions that have shaped America into the country it is today.

Only the Supreme Court itself, or a constitutional amendment — needing the overwhelming support of both Congress and the states — can reverse an existing decision. In other words, Trump has little say in the matter.

Over the weekend, another one of his executive orders was signed. This one pertains to the ban on refugees and citizens from largely Muslim countries from entering the United States, so people are panicking again.

While I myself am worried, I once again remember checks and balances. Through this system, the Supreme Court has the right of judicial review, and the power to deem the entire executive order unconstitutional. And in reality, courts throughout the states have already deemed parts of this order unconstitutional.

Even though these are executive orders, Trump still needs Congress. Those 535 members need to pass laws before 120 days, and many of them already oppose this order. So for every one of Trump’s radical moves, a great number of debates and hours will keep him in check.

A Trump presidency represents change, but not of the outrageous sort. The limitations on his power soften the blow, and his history of wavering political ideology may change his course entirely. And if you don’t intend on giving Trump a chance, then maybe give voicing your opinions to the 535 members of Congress a chance.

While giving President Trump a chance is not everyone’s ideal, look to give the system of democracy a chance so that we may step into the future. During these first days of Trump’s presidency, it seems like he wants, at the very least, confirmation that we have an open mind about his future, and that we are indeed giving him a chance.