China doesn't seem that bad in most respects either. Only in freedom of speech, and resulting internet censorship, but in quality of life and in productivity they seem to be thoroughly pwning the USA.
https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/nx-s1-5822329/memphis-gerryma...
Both systems have strong benefits for incumbents.
But in China, the CCP literally determines which candidates can run for office. The TN GOP does not determine whether Democratic candidates can even run.
But it does largely determine if they can win.
Which is functionally identical.