I Samuel 11:14

 11:14   Shmuel said to the people

Rashi (1040-1105)

Shmuel tells the people it is time to renew the monarchy, which leads to a second coronation of King Shaul and great rejoicing. Rashi explains the need for this renewal: Previously, not everyone had acquiesced to Shaul’s appointment. At this point, though, the entire nation willingly agrees. Monarchy, like all just forms of governments, requires the consent of the governed. Therefore, it is not surprising that Israel’s government in the contemporary pre-messianic era is a democracy. In fact, it is the only democracy in a region of autocracies and theocracies.