Discuss the role of money and corruption in politics, and how it affects the selection of individuals for important government positions.
Spot on. We do have a lot of ignoramuses in government, even here in Alaska.  I believe you just left out one thing: corruption/money. Money talks in today's world and those with lots of it will ensure that someone, ignorant or no (better ignorant than not, I believe), who is easily bought and paid for, be IN government so they can easily pull those strings and viola`! their wishes are ensured.