I disagree. Power doesn’t need to come from the top down. The current system of hierarchical authority established through a small body of elected representatives that have controlling authority over a vast number of people is what allows for corruption. Corruption only works because entities gain hierarchical control over a population and, through the abuse of systemic power, force its will down the chain.

On the other hand, a system where power of authority comes from the bottom up and is distributed horizontally across a federated body syndicated interest groups inherently prevents corruption as no singular entity can commandeer controlling authority over the other. Authority is established only through mutual agreement reached through a consensus of all parties involved. Through this structure of governance people will always retain the ability to de-federate from any corrupt entity and bypass its authority.

If corruption cannot take control over your means of living your life, the corrupt have no power over you.