[qzw]

Checks and balances. Power must be distributed as widely as possible because concentration of power will always eventually lead to abuses. The problem in the US is that for decades, the executive branch of the government has been getting too powerful relative to the other branches, especially the legislature. At the same time, too much power has accrued to big companies and ultra-wealthy individuals. We've been seeing and will continue to see the consequences of these long term trends.