Why do politicians think we serve them?

From the way politicians act and talk they "know" more than us and they are the only ones who have the only right answer.  If we disagree they tend to put us down or insult as we don't know better than them. They listen to 'elite' experts who advise them and then pompously inform us of what is right and what is wrong and things will go to hell if we don't follow them.

A good politician does not and should not use fear, hatred, intolerance to push society in the direction they want.  They should be leading by example, inspire us to be better, listen to ideas and opinions that differ and to help improve society as a whole.  Sometimes they need to tell us what we need to hear and not what we want to hear and not be afraid to tell us NO.

We need a way to make politicians accountable to the people again and make the people responsible to make informed choices and ensure that those we elect to make policies and laws that will do that and keep electing those who do so and to FIRE those who do not.  A start has been made by minimizing the role of money from businesses, the rich and unions.  Make the politicians go to the people to fund their campaigns by limiting how much each person can give.  Also limit the personal funds a politician can use as the ultra-rich can self fund their campaign and 'buy' their way to office.  Those with money, businesses, special interest groups and unions will scream that it is undemocratic and other bullshit reasons.  They will be afraid of losing their undue influence and control and let the ordinary citizen regain their rightful control of the process.

I am reading (and re-reading) the federalist papers.  Even after centuries the messages in the document is still relevant today.  This should be required reading by all politicians, even here in Canada as the ideas then still apply today.

At times I despair when seeing/reading about laws that politicians are wanting to enact.  I don't know if they are playing to fear or are ignorant about the constitution of this country, or the constitution of the country where they reside. Too many also display a lack of knowledge about basic economics.  Would it improve our politicians if they prove a basic knowledge about the constitution, economics, law, our political processes before running for office?  New citizens need to take a citizenship test and that would be a good starting point for politicians to demonstrate their basic knowledge of our country and political processes.