I'm not entirely sure if this is different in the US, however where I live (The Netherlands) the owners make up the HOA in the end. So if a majority of the owners doesn't want a specific rule or board member it's easy (and possible) to override that decision and put a new/better board member there.
Where I live the HOA board only gets to decide on the 'small stuff' (for big purchases like said Pool renewal above they still need a majority vote.) I try to 'activate' HOA members (everyone that contributes) and remember them that a HOA is made up of its members in the end. If you don't like anything about it you should either talk with your HOA representative / board member AND/OR contribute by opting to become a board member yourself.
Source: I'm one of the five HOA board members in our small (60apt) apartment building.
HOA systems vary pretty dramatically in the US, in terms of how they operate exactly.
Some HOAs operate by pretty weak by-laws, and can only decide trivial things. Others have obnoxious levels of control.
Typically an HOA board consists of community members or home owners (if that's the type of development), and sometimes a company that either developed (and owns) the neighborhood or one that manages it will have seats.
Some HOA boards are easy to toss out, others are not.
The vast potential variances make it important to try to get to know more about the HOA ahead of time if you're thinking about moving into a development with such.
Where I live the HOA board only gets to decide on the 'small stuff' (for big purchases like said Pool renewal above they still need a majority vote.) I try to 'activate' HOA members (everyone that contributes) and remember them that a HOA is made up of its members in the end. If you don't like anything about it you should either talk with your HOA representative / board member AND/OR contribute by opting to become a board member yourself.
Source: I'm one of the five HOA board members in our small (60apt) apartment building.