> NGO networks and a lot of unelected bureaucracy are the real government authority by quite a margin

In a well structured government for the people by the people such groups are as essential as military, as law enforcement, as health professionals, etc.

Politicians debate policy and advocate on behalf of representatives.

Unelected civil servants put policy into practice and need to be immune from the cycle of elected officials, just as the military needs to be.

All these groups, military, judges, civil service need to be held to high standards and subject to scrutiny with respect to professional conduct.

The USofA looks a bit off to outsiders in many respects, not simply tipping. So many elected positions that aren't merit based and seemingly immune to standards and termination for misconduct.