Protests swept across the nation in 2016

Marches, sit-ins and raised fists were symbols of protest in 2016 -- with people fighting for issues they felt strongly about including the presidential election, police brutality and gun control.

The protests that saw some of the largest numbers were held in response to Donald Trump being elected president. Thousands of people across the country marched through the streets in opposition and signs with the sayings, "Not my President" and "Love trumps hate" were prominent.

An activist movement that began two years ago continued to have a strong presence. Black Lives Matter was established in 2014 in response to police violence in America. In 2016, protestors marched through some of the biggest cities in America to protest the deaths of several African-American people by police -- including Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Philando Castile in Minnesota, and Keith Lamont Scott in North Carolina.

Professional athletes also protested racial inequality and their actions became the topic of debate for thousands of people across the country. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seemingly began the movement when he sat during the national anthem in the NFL preseason. Since then he has been joined by other professional athletes -- as well as college and high school players who have protested in a number of ways including kneeling and raising their fists.

In January, an armed anti-government militia took over a wildlife refuge in Oregon. Brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy led the group in their protest of the federal government's role in governing wild lands. They occupied the center for 41 days and one of the protestors was killed during an attempted traffic stop.

Political figures also participated in their own protest by staging a sit-in on the House floor. House Democrats, led by Rep. John Lewis, demanded action on gun control legislation and the sit-in lasted 25 hours.