I see what you mean, but as I get older, I am starting to question the inherent value of arm-chair political activism from the "outside". (I think going into politics and eliciting change from within can be quite helpful. At the very least, you are more knowledgeable about the issues since it is your full-time job.) There seems to be this implicit assumption that it is good. Why?

We can point to the great republic of America for many recent examples of how political activity impedes progress. There is very organized and energized grassroots political activism against gays, medical marijuana, abortion, free thinkers, and so on. At the very least, they have slowed progress, and in some cases, they have successfully reversed progress.

Based on my view of contemporary history, I equate political activism with demagoguery, populism, and irrationality. Again, look at America for exhibit A. Political activism can spur reforms, but I would argue it is usually only necessary in the first place because of the reluctance of politicians to support unfavorable points that hurt their re-election. They don't want to deal with Tea Parties, astroturfing, and the idiocies accompanying a "political" population.

I also agree that having no checks is dangerous, but frankly, the population is not going to have any checks on the government. Even in somewhere like the US (sorry they are considered the "leader of the free world" so we have to keep going back to them as a contrasting example), which has free elections, the actual power is determined by the establishment - you get to pick their choice A1 or A2. There is no genuine choice B. I'm not being cynical, there are articles out there about the "kingmakers". Genuinely independent candidates don't have a serious chance, and the new campaign finance laws make this even more true, to the point of hilarity. It's amazing how well managed the US population is, under the guise of "democracy", but I digress...

As I mentioned in the beginning, I think an effective way to correct "wrongs" is to have motivated people work into the system, and convince the insiders that there is a better way. This requires extreme talent, perseverance, and wisdom. The average person does not possess the required traits, is better off enjoying his life without getting worked up over things he will not be able to change. And even if he did want to change things, the average person probably is making the "wrong" choice anyways.