A system is only as good as people's dedication to the principles that led to its creation. Which is why the notion of "Oh it can't happen here" is a dangerous indulgence. Is it much less LIKELY to happen here than other places? Yep. Its it IMPOSSIBLE that the US could give away its democracy? No. We've already given it away partially through apathy and a willingness to sell our elections to the highest-bidder via our asinine campaign finance laws...and a SCOTUS that stupidly equated money with "speech" with no regard for the level of corruption that could lead to.