Get an education. There are literally thousands of books on the subject of government. My tactic is to go to the source. Read the writings of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin. Eliminate as much debt from your life as possible.
Credit cards are a modern form of indentured servitude.
Yes, you're only one person, but at least let your choice be counted. Even better, find a candidate that is aligned with your beliefs, and work on their campaign. There is no better teacher than experience. Political campaigns will show you just how the process works. All of the Articles of The Bill of Rights are important but, the Second Amendment is the only one that deals with something tangible.