It's important to remember that in America you live in a "republic and not a democracy"-- as the lunatic fringe so emphatically points out. Democracy isn't about electing, with little actual knowledge, a select minority of people to govern over your nation. It is supposed to be about creating a system of self-governance and accountability that allow for the greatest possible level of participation while at the same time remaining efficient and respectful of the rights of minorities. The very presence of money in politics corrupts any ostensibly democratic system almost immediately. What you are left with is the best government money can buy.