Eventually it will come to one of two things.
Evolution or Revolution. I think the 2nd is more likely, unless, of course, the whole world implodes economically, some other disaster occurs and we're sent cascading back into the middle ages. Or worse. The disaster? i.e. someone like Palin ends up President and we end up in a nuclear war. McCain might even do it. Hot tempers do not mix with a finger on the button. And don't tell me there are checks and balances. Like Bush, he or she will erode every damn one of those until his or her viewpoint is the only thing left among those with power.