It is a common observation, that the countries which thrive and provide the moral, economic and intellectual leadership of the world in any age, are usually the most democratic. ( The most in the age. They can be absolute kingships, if their kings is just closer to and more respectful of the people, than the other kings of the time. ) And there are good reasons for that. Not only the obvious, that people do not have to face the violent armed power of government, when a bad government needs to be replaced. But also that people are more likely to invest, work hard, respect others and innovate, when they feel they, and their products, are likely to be respected and protected by the law and state. And also that where a country makes mistakes, and they all make mistakes, it is easier for countries who invest power in the nameless masses, to admit and correct that, than it is for less democratic governments who must try to pose as infallible, to try to justify their denial of democratic rights and their frequent criminal corruptions.

Yet democracy most often fails because people lose faith in it. It is easy to say when you look for someone to blame. "Why would I want, "those" to have a say in my government ?" And there are more ways for it to fail than just some dictator seizing power, failing to provide good information to the people, good education, and the economic security needed, for all people to vote and assist well in government, is enough.

America began two and a half centuries ago, in the top five most democratic counties of that age, and by far the most important democracy by size. With what seemed like a cast iron guarantee in the constitution. But success breeds complacency, and while other countries, though behind to start with, have continued to move forward and improve on their democracies. The USA have neglected those other things besides the constitution that are needed to support good working democracy. Like a healthy, well informed, well educated population, who feel secure enough in their rights to respect others rights.

I would say be careful therefore. I think your democracy is still strong enough to come back, but you will lose it if you are not careful.

There now, and that is the arrogant, poorly informed opinion, of a foreign person, with no right to tell you what to do in your own country. So you are welcome to throw stones if you like.