At the start of the Russian Revolution, the Soviets tried that. Even they quickly discovered that pure democracy didn’t work well when choosing “the boss.” They even went so far as to remove ranks from the military. Which failed even faster.
Turns out, “the boss” often can’t afford to be popular or buddies with everyone when making decisions.
Nope. There where several “assault rifles” designed and built long before the StGew44 or the AK47 showed up.
The Italians even adopted one in the 1890s. But because Italian industry wasn’t, let’s just say not very capable at the time, only small numbers were produced. Even the Browning BAR, adopted in 1918, predates it and lasted far longer in service around the world.
If there is one thing the Germans did give to the world was the Reinheitsgebot in 1516. Because beer should only be made from water, barley, and hops. For that alone, they stand tallest in history.