Structure:
* No elected officials: The story doesn't mention any elected officials, suggesting a lack of representative government.
* Tradition dictates rules: The town operates on tradition, with the lottery being an ancient ritual passed down through generations. There's no room for debate or change, even if people question the practice.
* Lack of individual agency: The townspeople seem to blindly follow the rules without questioning their validity. There's a sense of collective obedience that stifles individual thought and dissent.
Lottery:
* Random selection: The lottery selects the victim at random, meaning it doesn't consider any individual's merits, contributions, or potential harm to the community. It's a brutal and arbitrary system.
* No transparency: The story doesn't explain the lottery's purpose or origins, suggesting a lack of transparency and accountability.
* Lack of consent: While the townspeople participate in the lottery, they are not given a choice to opt out. The practice is ingrained in their culture, and they accept it without questioning its legitimacy.
The story's themes of conformity, blind obedience, and the dangers of tradition highlight how a seemingly democratic structure can mask deeply undemocratic practices. The town's structure and the lottery are both instruments of control, perpetuating a system that prioritizes tradition over individual rights and reason.