What if democracy truly is the pinnacle of human government?
Think through the ages.
Greeks came to democracy. Then empire, then.... Nothing
Roman's were a republic first. Then an Empire, then.... Nothing.
The British lived brutish lives. Then the people got fed up and forced the Magna Carta. It was a democracy amongst nobles. Then an Empire, then .... Nothing.
Folks, America got fed up and forced democracy out from under the grip of the king. THEN AN EMPIRE....
If you dont want it to be ..... nothing.... dont become illiterate about democracy. Its the only government your voice has weight in.
Become illiterate, look to Federal Government for help when they dont care about you. They are forming and protecting their empire.
The democracy worth fighting for, fighting the kings, and the oppressors is the government that serves your neighbor as equally as it serves you. Its the one in the city hall. The place you can actually show up in twice a week to make your self seen and make yourself heard.
The further a person you chose to represent you has to travel to represent you, the less in common you'll have.
How far is the Federation of states? How far is the republic?
The kings will snatch away your freedom, claiming to be a representative but seeking an empire with their buddies.
Stick with the government that exists to serve you not the other way around.
Go to the city hall. They meet every two weeks.