The protests to Donald Trump’s election to the White House — the outsized marches in large mainland capitals, as well as the smaller but spirited demonstration here — are quintessentially American expressions of free speech.

Assuming they are legal and peaceful, they represent a healthy democratic response to political tidal shifts. And they are unsurprising, given the bitterly contentious nature of the race and the depth of legitimate conflicts uncovered over the long campaign season.

The protests may continue for some time, before and after the inauguration of the nation’s 45th president on Jan. 20. But by themselves, they are insufficient forms of civic engagement.

The public now must pay close attention to policy actions, and then respond specifically to those changes. There is cause for vigilance while the country awaits actions, starting with key appoint- ments.

Both the ruling GOP leadership and the Democratic Party need to reckon with the on-the-ground realities that played out in the extraordinary election of 2016. Plainly there’s a huge disconnect between decisionmakers in Washington, D.C., and the economic needs of the people living in rural and suburban America.

For its part, any new government, as well as the opposition party, will have to do a gut check to see that its priorities are responsive to the electorate. People need to know their concerns are registering with those they elect to serve.

Clearly, the stunned Democrats in particular have lost touch with the Rust Belt, former political strongholds they failed to win over in this election cycle.

But now it’s the public and the news media that most need to be on alert.

Those marching in the streets are alarmed by vows of immigration crackdowns and repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The recent award of a major advisory post to Steve Bannon, chief executive for the controversial site Breitbart News, amplified their anxiety.

Trump’s post-election statements have been more nuanced, with assurances that his administration would be focused on deporting undocumented immigrants engaged in criminal activity. The health law would retain its most popular elements, Trump said, and he promised no gap between what’s known as Obamacare and its replacement.

But millions of American immigrants, whose families include members with legal status as well as the undocumented, remain terrified about being split up. Millions more families are leery of assurances that their health coverage won’t be canceled.

Exactly what will be on the losing end of a promised tax cut and infrastructure spending also is unknown. But many rightly worry about the social safety net, research programs and environmental protection — all issues with particular resonance for Hawaii.

Keeping an eye on the administration for transparency and ethical protocols put in place — or not — is every bit as crucial. Trump needs to separate his position legally from his business. Reports that he is seeking security clearance for his adult children, who now are taking over the businesses, give reason for concern. A bright line must be drawn between financial interests and governing privilege and responsibilities.

There was some hope to be drawn from the civil exchanges between Trump and his political opponents, President Barack Obama and the Democrat who had sought to succeed him, Hillary Clinton. The next president deserves a chance to demonstrate his leadership capabilities, they said, and they are right.

With the end of the 2016 campaign, voters should hope that the new administration succeeds — as long as “success” means the best interests of all Americans prevails.