The country’s voters sent a powerful message to Washington this week: We’re not happy with the way our government is being run, and we want change. The outcome of the Nov. 8 election defied the polls and shocked not only many Americans, but leaders throughout the world. Everyone is asking, “What now?’’

We’ll all have to wait and see. Here are some of the changes we personally hope a new administration brings.

Fair — truly fair — trade agreements which will foster new economic growth and mean the return of jobs we’ve lost to other nations. Let’s see more products labeled “Made in America’’ and a prosperous economy which will bring a sharp decline in the growing number of citizens on our welfare rolls.

An immigration policy that puts sensible restrictions on who can enter our country is critical to our national security. Let’s focus on welcoming good, hard-working folks who will be proud to be Americans

A health care system which provides coverage to all Americans, rich or poor, and one which working folks can afford.

Far fewer government restrictions coupled with lower energy costs and lower taxes that will enable companies large and small to grow.

Our education system should be primarily governed at the state level and not by Washington, which has failed miserably. On the college level, we need to find a way for students to afford an education without staggering loans which take them a lifetime to pay back.

America should have a strong military which is respected around the world, one which treats its veterans, both active and retired, with dignity and appreciation for their service.

Most of us dream of a world at peace, knowing it probably will never happen. However, we hope America uses extreme caution in involving itself in foreign conflicts so we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ve already spent billions of dollars trying to stabilize the Middle East to no avail, and at a cost of many lives and billions of dollars.

Racial tension must stop before we undo all of the progress we made earlier. The conflict between minorities and the police in some of our cities must be resolved so that we can return to the days when children of all races were taught that the police are our friends and protectors and it proved to be true.

Our Social Security system, on the verge of running out of money, needs to be stabilized and funds restored which the government so conveniently “borrowed” over the years.

A less liberal Supreme Court would be nice.

Better diplomacy in how we work with other countries would help improve our image around the world.

Our representatives in Washington should pay more attention to their constituents and less to their fellow politicians if they truly want to get a handle on what the American citizen is really thinking.

Our federal government needs to be operated like any other fiscally responsible large business and not continue to accumulate the staggering debt of recent years. Balance the budget and cut wasteful spending just like any responsible homeowner is expected to do, and stop some of the unjustified handouts to other countries.

We all have a million “wants’’ for the new administration. Some may happen, others won’t. However, we’re at least a little encouraged that  the American voter is now positioned to monitor Washington’s every move, which is as it should be. Let our elected officials know where you stand on the issues. They’ll listen, or find themselves back home on the farm.