The founding fathers did indeed deliberately create a government where state power was dispersed, (at least, by 18th century standards) and I must concede it has worked pretty well over the years. Indeed, over the last century it has improved substantially.

But it was also the government that would most benefit the interests of prosperous merchants, lawyers and planters. As long as their followers amongst the common people perceived they or their children had an opportunity to rise to that station someday, the social contract held.

The social contract still holds, but may it never be threatened. When the contract fails for the masses, socialism becomes possible. When it fails to serve the interests of the oligarchy, fascism is inevitable. We've been walking the tightrope successfully for a long time, let us hope we don't fall off, the ground is equally hard to left and right, and there is no safety net.