A progressive SCOTUS has been the main force shaping US Society - undemocratically, for the last 60 years.
From Griswold to Roe to Obergefell, these were things which American States, and voters, had NOT widely embraced, and indeed, had rejected. Yet SCOTUS forced them on the USA in their own brand of corrupt and unconstitutional policy-making.
You are exactly right. But don't forget about the bureaucracy. Just as pernicious.
I think it is remarkable that even with decades of control of the media, pop culture, academia, unions and much of the government that the Left has accomplished very little through legislation.
That remains a hopeful sign.