The American experiment ended in 1789 with the ratification of the US constitution. It was an obvious attempt by aristocratic elements to put a lid on the revolutionary fervor that had been stirred up in the 1770's. It represented a massive centralization of power with government based on the demonstrably false pretense of a "united" States. Clearly, they were not united then, and they are not united now. The US should dissolve the union and replace it with a confederation of States. The States can maintain free trade and travel between one another and there can be a mutual defense pact in times of war, but other than that, the States should maintain separate and independent political systems.