Even in a rational society , politicians are elected and re-elected first on their published views on specific issues and then on their demonstrated actions while in office. When was the last time you saw a politician running on a platform of restraint (from proposing / enacting more laws and repealing / amending pointless ones)? As long as there are no term limits for legislators and the judiciary, more and more laws will be enacted and courts will continue to "legislate from the bench". It is human nature to strive for something better -- typically seen as wealth and privilege (power) -- and the Framers did not go quite far enough to ensure the longevity of our exercise in legitimate self-government against the aspirations of men. Power corrupts, and it is truly a person of character who would walk away from the power willingly. IF Americans want a government that emphasizes responsibility and individual liberty they (all of them who feel this way) must take personal responsibility to ensure that their representatives truly represent this in actions as well as soundbytes and use the voting booth as a tool for real change while/if that option remains.