I think too many people believe progressive steps, when it comes to politics, will work. And I think politicians use this flaw to gain votes.
If you want things to get objectively better, it takes work. Makinging things objectively worse is free (or cheap). Destruction is costs little.
I think real change takes sudden reform. Small government fans aren't going to accomplish their goal as long as their elected champion is just throwing them a bone and then going populist.