If voting doesn't protect Americans from a corrupt government what other defense do we have?

Answer 1

The separation and balance of powers between the three branches. That's why it's a serious matter when one branch seems to be usurping another.

Here is a brief description how the Bush doctrine of the Unitary Executive works: "When President Bush signed the new law... restricting the use of torture when interrogating detainees, he also issued a Presidential signing statement. That statement asserted that his power as Commander-in-Chief gives him the authority to bypass the very law he had just signed."
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20060109_bergen.html

Answer 2

We have a FBI and justice department that investigates corruption. We also have a media that agressively reports corruption. It is a democracy though, so if someone is known to be corrupt, and the voters vote him in anyway, there isn't much that can be done.

I live in New Jersey, so voting doesn't help much in fighting corruption, as NJ voters seem to be very tolerant of corruption.

Answer 3

corruption in the United States is institutionalized, its part of the political system. Congressman and Senators are constantly being paid large amount of money via campaign contribution from powerful interest groups.

Answer 4

Write to your Congressmen and ask them.

Answer 5

the courts

Answer 6

impeachment.

The government is pretty strict about how we can control it lol.

Answer 7

Not much!

Answer 8

have more bribe money than your enemies.