Saying it acts like an imperial theocracy is a bit over the top. Not imperial nor theocracy. It certainly tries to act like the global hegemon but imperial theocracy is certainly not accurate. That there is a fifth of the country that want it to be a theocracy is a different thing entirely though and they are very much isolationists so not imperial there either.

As for how it was founded, you're for the most part correct there. Only caveat really would be that the ruling class at the top 200 years ago was much closer to the indentured servants and even slaves than the ruling class at the top now. The idea of suing someone into bankruptcy for libel and other frivolous things would be a shock to the founding fathers. Back then you would still see your elected representatives in everyday life as they weren't sheltered in a life of private mansion/gated community to office with security guard and vacations in the cayman islands. The disconnect from reality that the current ruling class have isn't just a US phenomenon, I think Europe and East Asia sees the same divide hence the PM's scandal of his covid parties while the rest of the country was locked down.

As for the masses not having a say, well a lot of that is unfortunately designed apathy. They absolutely could have a say but enough of the country thinks their votes don't matter or that nothing will change so they don't vote for candidates that could represent them. This allows our political class to cater toward each fringe and only try and draw enough votes from the undecided/apathetic when needed.