Germany, and what you said definitely does not apply to Germany. Ex presidents or prime ministers do not tour the world to give highly paid speeches or "consult" with hedge funds or what have you. I think only one exception comes to mind ex Chancellor Schroeder but even his engagement almost pales in comparison to how Tony Blair, and most ex American presidents whore themselves out. Oh right, its called "monetizing their skills and experience", I am sorry. But seriously, most every German politician is neither wealthy, connected to lobbyists directly or indirectly, engages in excessive campaign financing (campaign financing is very strictly regulated in Germany), and those politicians that "stumbled" and were forced out of office had to do so as a result of almost cute affairs such as spending a holiday free of charge at a friend's place who happened to be a wealthy business man. I think most presidents or chancellors in Germany are either incredibly well educated, wise, or chosen for similar character traits and that they display a sincere character to wanting to serve as civil servants is almost always on the top of every voter's priority list. I am aware things in the US are "slightly" different but what really baffles me is the incredible disconnect between Washington and the rest of the country and especially the disconnect between Congress Men/Women as well as Senators and their constituents. I find it hard to escape the impression that Congress Men/Senators are not holding themselves accountable to their voters but to their donors (aka lobbyists, or more directly those who pay bribes and corrupt the political system). That the American public does nothing about that only seems to be explainable by the fatigue and outright laziness of most in the population.