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Systems that get a taste for money virtually NEVER reform themselves, they keep on slipping down the ladder of virtue. Each succeeding generation becoming more corrupt tha the last until the system fails, or the money runs out.

A Dictatorship is the next thing to happen. Either Congresional Gridlock makes Legislation impossible to the point where the system is failing, and a strong hand is needed to cut through the log jam. An economic shock hits the system, with resulting Political instability, and a strong hand is neede to return things to normal. Or the election system is seen as corrupt, and neither side is willing to back off its claims and to settle the dispute someone is appointed.

For a lest the first coupla generations of Authoritarian rule the semblence of a Democracy will be maintained, to reassure the people that all is well, but as time goes on the trapping will fade away.