Why is Germany the most Democratic Nation along with some other European Countries?

[Thomas R]

In Germany Workers sit on the board of directors making decisions along side company officers holding equal decision making power. German Workers also have work councils in almost every work place, powerful national labor unions and overall social benefits which cover almost all citizens. Many Worker Cooperatives have formed over the past 10 years and have been encouraged/supported by the government. German Wages are second highest compared to the Swiss(mercer survey/after taxes and cost of living) while being the largest creditor nation on earth. Germany has 10 times less prisoners per capita in their prison system compared to America and also fund all elections with public money and equal media time for candidates. Germany has 7 main political parties and other smaller parties. Any one who needs help gets help(welfare) including housing, clothes, heating, food, healthcare, etc. Why has Germany/Northern Europe diverged away from America when it comes to democratic principles over the past 30 or 40 years? And even with the freedoms/benefits granted their citizens they(Northern Europe) still are the largest exporters/greatest creditors on the earth.