Is the rule of law necessary for democratic governance?

historically speaking there are almost no examples of societies which do not enforce at least some mores, laws or simple ethics codes on the people that live within the society. but theoretically if one were to imagine a culture that was not based on material wealth or competition in the direction of material wealth then it would seem that people would tend to err toward mutual aid rather than than fighting. this would in effect negate the need for enforcement or 'the rule of law' because crime would not exist because everyone would have what they need and their wants would be substantially fewer. however even the most ancient and simple cultures employed banishment for serious crimes, so it could be said that humans are hard-wired for 'crime' or maladjustment. BUT, if a society were to cater wholly to the needs of the individual(rather than say, war) and people not only had what they needed but also some time for creative pursuit and education(including how to participate effectively in a democracy), then the individual would be generally happier and the need for 'the rule of law' would most probably disappear