BOR, the democractic system all over the world is not efficient and USA is not exception. However, there is very little alternative political alertnativse which would either result of right/left wing dicatorship, absolutims, or oligarchy. Combine with massive apathy of potential voters who do not care at all about politics, this only increased the change for extremism to thrive. GOP at present form is extremist, neofascist party (as seen by non American observers), which based its grassroot support among aged or impoverished demographics, while middle class does not feel to be represented by Democrats and thus does not vote. Either way, every society has type of goverment its deserves. If people do not want ACA but faith based healthcare, retirement, education, and want to be ruled by OT laws, be it. 2000 years of failed governments based on Christianity speaks on its own. They could not deserve anything else.
Biggest problem for the health of te democracy is failing democratic standards. In the freedom of press, USA is not even in top 25 countries. There is a huge quality difference between British, French and Austrian (yes Austrian, NOT GERMAN nor Australian) newspapers and media, and American one. Free and independent media is the first step for better public service instead radiating propaganda from specific lobby groups. But people love its media and this will not change in out life time if ever.
One of the bloodiest dictatror of the 18th century, Maximiliane Robespierre wrote:
What is our aim?
It is the use of the constitution for the benefit of the people.
Who is likely to oppose us?
The rich and the corrupt.
What methods will they employ?
Slander and hypocrisy.
What factors will encourage the use of such means?
The ignorance of the sans-culottes.
The people therefore must be instructed.
What are the obstacles to their enlightenment?
The paid journalists who mislead the people every day by shameless distortions.
What conclusion follows?
That we ought to proscribe these writers as the most dangerous enemies of the country and to circulate an abundance of good literature.
The people- what other obstacle is there to their instruction?
Their destitution.
When will the people be educated?
When they have enough bread to eat, when the rich and the government stop bribing treacherous pens and rogues to deceive them and instead identify their own interests with those of the people.
When will this be?
Never.
I disagree with Jacobins and everything what they stood for, but problem with media and generally ignorance of masses will be always obstacle to the enlightenment. This was known 221 years ago and anyone can make own conclucion...