The "ruling class" only has the power it has right now, because people are not as engaged as they should be, in the process. Our apathy has given them that power.
As for our "rights"...those need to be maintained and defended at all times. We see them slipping away for the same reason we have corrupt politicians in power.
Apathy.
This doesn't mean the system is broken. It just means we aren't using it to our own advantage. We've allowed someone else to do that, in our absence.