How do you explain Cheney’s antics in the last 8 years as he not only consolidated power for the Office of the POTUS but also for his own office (the infamous 4th branch of government). Is Cheney just doing what the people want? What about any number of other problems over time where power has been consolidated via government machinations that your average voter has little to no knowledge of?

For what it’s worth, I’d argue that it’s more of the government being subtle about the centralization of power (Congress pretty much laid down and licked its balls during the last 8 years for instance) and then much of the electorate is, as is typical, sold on promises and fantastic imagery and jingoism that changes depending on location and is reflected on very superficial levels with controversial, heated issues that people respond viscerally to.

A candidate who harnesses the superficiality can get his or her way to the office, but once they are there you cannot blame the electorate. At least, not completely.

That’s just abdicating the government of responsibility for its action(s).