(Continuing to play Devil's Advocate) As you said, this is a Republic/limited Democracy. The "ignorant masses" do not directly vote (this is my understanding, at least) for President. The House of Representatives, all of whom are people who are well educated, politically minded, and intelligent (at least when compared to the masses) also have some say.
Furthermore, the ignorant masses are SO ignorant that they can be pushed and pulled into voting for the 'right' candidate because that candidate will be smarter than them. The effect is to have some very sneaky and smart people governing a majority of ignorant people. These sneaks then make decisions based on the good of this country, not what the people 'think' they want.
Solid