The system isn't corrupt, it's working for the same group it always has: the capitalist class. There has never been a point that this has not been true. Perhaps for a short period during reconstruction, before that got taken over and destroyed.

The system is corrupt, not everyone involved is corrupt

Sort of the bitch of a corrupt system. You don't need everyone to be on the take for the system to be hopelessly spoiled.

I do my best to learn who isn’t corrupt

That doesn't keep them out of office