Democracy requires much from it's citizens.
Engagement, community values, moral values, and the commitment to be informed.
(Editor's Note: Community and moral values are not the same as 'religious values' or the temptation to control your neighbour's behaviour.)
Propaganda and disinformation have become the norm both by 'us' and 'them' to the point where not only don't we know who or what to believe, we've also fed uncertainty to the point of frustration.
It's hard to manage a military empire so America has it's work cut out for it.
Supporting a self serving egomaniac because of your personal self interest is ultimately disastrous.But bad citizens will always.look to blame someone else.