The worst part about having a corrupt government is seeing how cheaply they were bought. Congress makes decisions that shift trillions of dollars, and they're willing to put their thumbs on the scale for what, a few million? Add up the net worth of every shady politician in Washington - would we be better off just bribing these people directly from the treasury on behalf of the nation?
No need to be smart when a bunch of malicious assholes are willing to legitimize your rule through violence for a few crumbs.
These people would literally be nothing without a throng of compliant servants, but that tribal mentality to follow a chief runs strong.
The worst part about having a corrupt government is seeing how cheaply they were bought. Congress makes decisions that shift trillions of dollars, and they're willing to put their thumbs on the scale for what, a few million? Add up the net worth of every shady politician in Washington - would we be better off just bribing these people directly from the treasury on behalf of the nation?