Largely because we’ve lost social cohesion and pride, so that few are motivated towards civic good. The solution is purely cultural and doesn’t cost any money. But it requires shifting belief structures, which requires leadership and shared experiences… and that’s hard and rare to achieve.

Not really, its because you will be outspent and stomped in an election by the establishment that profits from the status quo. Being good at winning elections and being a good politician do not always go hand in hand.

That indeed is the ultimate puzzle. Maybe the solution is to pay what they cost and gigify the jobs.