Actually, I don't think of it as an imperfect system, the mechanisms are there. The problem is, politicians do not have the balls to use the rules they have at their disposal. Take for instance the Senate with the Bolton Nomination. The weak Republican Seven who are trying to look thoughtful are preventing those who would like to force the up or down vote. It's a case of a few whimps preventing the bold action necessary.
and many flaws have been introduced into "the system"... such as direct election of senators, etc.
it would be a whole lot easier for a state legislature to recall a weak and harmful senator than it is for the people of a state to recall one.
the 17th amendment was definitely a turning point for the country.