In the final analysis, people are more important than systems. The most tyranical, bureaucratic, inefficient and unfair system will work if the people running it are genuine and moral. Conversely, the most democratic, fair, free and meritocratic system will fail if the people at the top are venal and corrupt. That's not to say the systems aren't important of course, if only because the free society is more likely to produce leaders of good character.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation:
but sin is a reproach to any people.