It's difficult to claim something has failed when in fact it's never been attempted in the first place. The USA has always been a deeply corrupt nation, with politicians permanently on sale. As Mark Twain wrote well over a century ago, "America has the best government money can buy."

Far too many opportunities exist to garner revenues by means of legally-created choke-points, and far too much legislation actively prevents competition. In Florida, for example, 23 different certifications are required in order to be a hair stylist. In Oregon it's illegal to collect rainwater for private consumption. The list of restrictions is nearly endless and they are all written into law with one purpose: to protect the already-powerful from competition.

It would be lovely if the USA one day attempted to inculcate a meritocracy, but so far it's not been tried.