The Magna Carta was signed in 1215.
From 1215 to 1776 the British colonialists in North America had 561 years of education-by-experience in what is needed for self government by elected representatives. It is quite possible, from a cultural perspective, that experince and a history of experience in democratic forms is every bit as much important as merely “learning” about it and trying to emulate it.
The former European colonies in Africa have not even had one century since their independence. Maybe they will need their own experiences for another 400+ years to “get it right”. Then again, maybe they will simply fail at it.
You’re probably right... a people would need that long experience and struggle just to appreciate their liberty enough to zealously guard it from being snatched away. And a refresher from time to time, as we can see here, where there’s always an element of society willing to throw it all away.
My sister works with nurses from Kenya and Nigeria. She likes them very much because they are well-educated and diligent workers- and especially because she’s seen them “school” fellow American nurses against some ditzy Democrat ideas. It used to be my sister was alone in the argument and dismissed as an “old blonde” but she’s enjoying the heck out of having these new allies join the discussion.