#1 is partially fulfilled. There can be 'investigations', such as the one done on Newt Gingrich in 1997. They levy a fine of $300K (slap on the wrist for someon

#1 is partially fulfilled. There can be 'investigations', such as the one done on Newt Gingrich in 1997. They levy a fine of $300K (slap on the wrist for someone with a net worth in the millions), and then he's able to go and run for president 13 years later. The problem that is inherent to #1 however is that, at least initially, they are investigated by people closest to them. Few people in Congress was to open up any Congressperson for deep investigation. Everyone has skeletons so investigations seem to generally be done in a way to kick up the least amount of dust, yet appear to be in motion. And you're absolutely right for #2. Rarely are the rich or corporations punished in a serious way. Deceptive business practice that makes you billions? Fine given for millions. Unless you get caught in such a bad and terribly obvious way that they simply must go after you with jailtime, they won't. There is no way to punish a politician or a group of politician for non-performance, corruption, failure to uphold the US Constitution, etc. You've basically gotta kill someone. And even if you do that, you're likely going to face less time than the average person on the street who does the same. Afterall, all your best friends are lawyers and lawmakers.