Which is why it sounds to me like they need some significant reform

Unfortunately the US founder had the same idea as you about reform. IE no one person or small group should be able to do so.

Now over decades Heck centuries. Power has migrated to the president. As groups continued to objects to slow change. So took the easy answer of trusting one elected member.

But any change to significantly limit power. Would need the constitution to be reworked to limit such power. Would require a huge approval. 66% of every state I think.

The very fact that Congress has to worry about such things. Is clear evidence such agreement is not and may never be possible.