Our Opinion: The public needs to hold the new legislative branch accountable for its promises made during campaigning.

Campaign season means hand shaking, baby kissing and promise making.

Politicians continue to shake hands and kiss babies throughout their terms in office, but what about keeping promises?

Democrats have gained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate following this week’s midterm election, and they have made lots of promises to get there.

But they need use their power to keep these promises, ones that could drastically improve lives of college students — most notably reforms in minimum wage and college loans.

Democrats want to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour, which could be a big win for college students, who typically work low-paying jobs for some extra cash. The new majority legislative power also wants to make higher education more affordable for everyone by expanding Pell Grants and slashing interest rates on student loans. And that’s great news, especially because the old guard implemented a $12.7 billion cut from federal student loan programs.

These two talking points are great platforms for campaigning — and members of the public need to make sure their legislator on the Hill follows through.

This week’s election proved that the nation is unhappy with the way things are going. America wanted change and the government heard the message loud and clear. It was a reminder — both to the Republican Party and to all politicians in general — that this government is supposed to be for the people.

The strongest measure of holding politicians accountable is by voting. But that doesn’t mean you can only say what’s on your mind every couple of years.

Speak out.

Rather than ranting to friends and family or posting furiously on Internet message boards, send your ideas straight to the person who matters.

Write letters. Send e-mails. Leave voice mails. Do something.

Politicians probably aren’t going to change their practices unless their constituents tell them to.

Students have just as much of a voice in matters as anyone else, so don’t discount your worth to your legislative representative.

These members of Congress got into office using promises that affect college students’ day-to-day lives. The public is their boss.

Don’t let them make promises they don’t intend to keep.

Their job is to fight for us on the Hill. All jobs have accountability.

Theirs is no different.