Might be the Sunday morning blues, but the American education system is flawed; we've lost control of efficient, positive immigration, and were overwhelmed by our bureaucratic inertia, politics, and in the sheer diversity of it all, we have no consistency of vision and leadership. It became easier and more acceptable to be on welfare, game the system, instead of joining the rat race.
We get the leaders we deserve; we have no compromise with our neighbors, in the GP or political arena, anymore. People would rather fight for thier specific cause and screw the other side, so they align with whatever politician addresses thier special interest. When we have always had to compromise in some form, and basic common beliefs and concerns, once we lost that, and politicians became rock stars. The downward spiraling began after Eisenhower, who was likely our last uncompromised President.
It was inevitable. Politicians pander to the squeakiest wheels of thier political base; there is no attempt to win over independents or moderates because all they need is 15% independent vote with their specific extreme base, and they have a viable chance.