Over the past quarter century, America's track record tells a sobering story. Poor governance decisions have defined much of the 21st century so far, according to economic policy analyst William A. Galston. Whether you're watching traditional markets or the broader financial landscape, these systemic challenges ripple everywhere. As investors navigate a world shaped by policy missteps and institutional drift, understanding these long-term trends becomes crucial—especially for those tracking macro cycles and their downstream effects on asset classes. The disconnect between political intention and real-world outcomes has been hard to ignore.