Democracy

I heard two quotes which always stayed in my mind

One is from a Dutch singer: Whats democracy worth without a job, a house?
The other from someone whom I forgot: Democracy is the best of all bad systems
I dont know what system is the best or what will work best to keep everybody satisfied, that will very probably be impossible.

I think you are partially quoting Winston Churchill where he said... "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried."

As for the original question I think living conditions and plentiful amenities are a bi-product of a functioning democracy not prerequisite for it.

Ah yes, the right to vote.....

When I was 17 I had to join the army, drafted.
I learned how to fire weapons with awesome, and devastating firepower.
I learned how to make and to place mines and boobytraps.
I learned how to kill people with my bare hands if needed.
I learned how to drive my APC  ....... but I was not allowed at that age to drive a civilian car nor could I vote