I mentioned tribe, because it's easier to imagine this in a small group of people.
A few politicians acting for their sole benefit get those benefits from the remaining people... which are much more than those politicians and that's why we let them get away with it... it's just peanuts in the grand scheme.
If, at some point, instead of peanuts, they start reaping gold and silver (this metaphor is going too far), then the people kick them out... unless they manage to keep the people deluded about the gold and silver . e.g. N.Korea.
A few politicians acting for their sole benefit get those benefits from the remaining people... which are much more than those politicians and that's why we let them get away with it... it's just peanuts in the grand scheme.
If, at some point, instead of peanuts, they start reaping gold and silver (this metaphor is going too far), then the people kick them out... unless they manage to keep the people deluded about the gold and silver . e.g. N.Korea.
