Are associations above the law? (HOA, home, purchase)

[P3anut]

I live just outside of Illinios, I came from a very nice area and moved to a gated community and did not realize what I entered into.
I read the rules and regulations, but they change so frequently that is not what I originally signed up for when I moved in. The rules 4years ago are non existant. The association is over bearing and is running our subdivision down the tubes, I never realized that the place I moved to had such a bad reputation, it just keeps getting worse.
I need some input on what rights do homeowners actually have against associations when they infringe on the peoples civil liberties and freedom.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the basic rules that apply to any county or state such as that the up keep and maintenance of the property is bad, I fully agree or driving slow due to children in the area. We have renta cops that you put a uniform on them and they think they are the county Sheriff.
Home owners go to the meetings and vote or state their concerns then the board makes the final decision. So tell me what is the purpose.
I would like to know if any one out there has input, I have searched and searched and all I find is help for the associations. They make the rules but can break everyone of them because they get special treatment. They are definately not their for the home owners.
When you move in and purchase your first home they say here read over the rules and regs have a nice day. You are never told what you are actually entered into, they only give you information to get you to move in. The rules change so frequently and they are not the same as the day you moved in. Meetings are held when normal people work and can not attend, then your told no one shows up at the meetings. I have never seen anything so ridiculous and lacking common sense in my whole life. If anyone seen the movie Stepford, it could not be more true.
Can someone help with legal input?

[linicx]

If you break the contract and move, you probably need a real lawyer. If you do not want to move, live with the newly changing HOA rules. If rent-a-cop is doing something illegal, then you should probably inquire discretely pf the State Police. They do know the rules. Private property issues can be very dicey if they are not criminal in intent.. Intent is one of the hardest hats to hang on anyone. .