[grandalf]

>the faults of government can tend to take root in any power structure of any significance

Absolutely.

>cynicism, while justifiable and oftentimes necessary, can itself be a blinder

I agree with this as well, and think that the proper course of action for the individual citizen is to uphold his civic duty and actively dissent, rather than merely resorting to cynicism.

Dissent can take many forms, but generally ought to provide a check to the tendency of government (or any kind of institution) to abuse its' power.