So how do we make it better?

I agree.  The best idea for building such a system that I've seen is the National Initiative for Democracy - www.ni4d.org - which asserts our right to make our own national laws, just as we can make our own state laws in most states.  This idea is revolutionary because it bypasses the ruling class.  Like signing a petition, citizens vote using an an election system called Philadelphia II, which is independent of existing state election systems.

The poles are open now.  Go to www.votep2.us to vote for the National Initiative for Democracy.