It's not just economics but even basics of how the main institutions work. Even "conservatives" on this forum often think that corporations that get TARP money keep it in the basements of their buildings, as if it were not the millions of shareholders --- retirees, widows and orphans --- that were actually bailed out.
Americans used to understand such matters. Our schools were unsurpassed in 1800s. And even more recently: just look at history tests, for instance, that high school students took in 1930s. Most college students I know would fail those today.
You appear to dismiss poor education and indifference of students as an immutable fact. If so, no political meaures would help. Our economic prospects depend on our values, and the latter are broken.
BINGO! If the people don't acre, then, they don't care what kind of system they live under. As long as the food is good, the beer is cold and the condoms fit...