Political protests are effective because they influence policy making

In addition to spreading more awareness about certain issues, protests can affect policy making. When enough people are involved in a political movement, their concerns reach the attention of governing bodies that have the power to create or alter policies. A study conducted by Harvard University and Stockholm University showed that protests are most effective when they build political movements.^[1] As these movements garner more attention, interest, and participation, policy reforms are more likely to occur. The 2020 George Floyd protests, for example, helped the Black Lives Matter movement receive more international awareness. Forthcoming policy changes that were influenced by this movement include the dismantling of Minneapoliss's police department and the reform of New York City’s police department.^[2]