I've heard a rather convincing theory that the founding father's came up with this system for the express purpose of making the American government extremely impotent. It certainly seems like European countries evolve quicker.
I also heard before Obama was elected that some Republicans didn't want their party to get presidential office this term, since it was going to be a stinker. Let the Democrats take the reigns during a god-awful time, let the country forget about the previous eight years, then saunter back in to reap the rewards of the Democrats' hard work.
"Government is the problem! Vote for us and we'll prove it!"
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