The nation watched President Obama deliver his final speech in office in Chicago on Jan. 10.

Obama’s speech focused on democracy and the role of Americans. He reminded the audience, both the people present and the viewers, that the government and the future lies in their hands. Change and progress is “what we mean when we say America is exceptional,” and he listed the accomplishments that occurred during his terms to emphasize that the people “were the change”.

With this hopeful message came the warning, “But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works.” Without unity and respect for differing opinions, our democracy will crumble.

The president also warned that race is “a second threat to our democracy – one as old as our nation itself.” He urged blacks and other minorities to understand “the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he’s got all the advantages, but who’s seen his world upended by economic, cultural, and technological change.” He then urged white Americans to acknowledge “that when [minority groups] wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment our Founders promised.” He lastly addressed all native-born American to remember that “America wasn’t weakened by the presence of [immigrants]; they embraced this nation’s creed, and it was strengthened.”

Obama acknowledged that what he is asking is not easy and “retreating into our own bubbles” has become easier and safer, but he still asked people to understand opinions from different backgrounds, which led him to the “third threat to democracy.” While politics is supposed to be a healthy debate of different ideas, Obama claims it has become dispiriting and pointless because people no longer listen to and respect one another’s ideas and opinions. Progress only comes from working together to discover and implement solutions to the problems.

His final point was the warning that democracy is threatened when we take it for granted. If we do not participate in our government, our own future, then there can be nothing that can be done. “Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift,” he reminds but then adds, “But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power. We, the people, give it power — with our participation, and the choices we make.”

As his speech drew to an end, he thanked his wife for stepping into the First Lady role “that [she] didn’t ask for and made it [her] own,” his daughters for becoming “two amazing young women,” Joe Biden for being a “great vice president….[and] brother,” his staff for “never letting Washington get the better of [them],” and everyone out there for being the “best supporters and organizers anyone could hope for” and for changing the world.

Finally, President Obama expressed how “it has been the honor of [his life] to serve” and his hope for the future because of the “unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic” upcoming generation.

“I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours,” he reminded one last time.  “Yes We Can. Yes We Did. Yes We Can.”