Category: Responses to Democracy in America

These are my thoughts on Alexis de Tocqueville’s chapters, or portions of chapters, while I read through Democracy in America, which was first published in 1835.

Day 11 (p. 207 to 227) Tocqueville argues that the multitude is not wise, yet in a democracy, it governs. Should it? Or should the government be aristocratic – if not in people, then in principle?

  Tocqueville makes some interesting and, to us, rather shocking claims about the freedoms of the press and association, which we take largely for granted… Continue reading Day 11 (p. 207 to 227) Tocqueville argues that the multitude is not wise, yet in a democracy, it governs. Should it? Or should the government be aristocratic – if not in people, then in principle?

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Day 10 (p. 186 to 206): Tocqueville explores the parties in America and finds democratic and aristocratic tendencies at play. Is it aristocratic to oppose a national daycare program? Is supply-management undemocratic?

  After explaining that not all countries could adopt a federal system similar to America’s because other countries face greater political challenges than America, such… Continue reading Day 10 (p. 186 to 206): Tocqueville explores the parties in America and finds democratic and aristocratic tendencies at play. Is it aristocratic to oppose a national daycare program? Is supply-management undemocratic?

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Day 9 (p.166 to 186): Tocqueville argues that the wisdom of the founding fathers gave America a government that is strong enough to defend itself, but not so strong as to oppress the people, much like Plato’s guardians. Were the founding fathers philosopher-kings?

“The Union is as happy and as free as a small people, and as glorious and as strong as a great nation (p.186)”.   Tocqueville… Continue reading Day 9 (p.166 to 186): Tocqueville argues that the wisdom of the founding fathers gave America a government that is strong enough to defend itself, but not so strong as to oppress the people, much like Plato’s guardians. Were the founding fathers philosopher-kings?

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Day 8 (p. 148 to 166): Any method of electing a head of state has downsides. What are the downsides of our Prime Minister having the option to run for re-election indefinitely? Is this why we see baby bonuses timed for re-election and partisan ads on the taxpayer’s dime?

Tocqueville continues to examine the effects of electing a head of State, or President, in this case, turning particular attention to the election process. He… Continue reading Day 8 (p. 148 to 166): Any method of electing a head of state has downsides. What are the downsides of our Prime Minister having the option to run for re-election indefinitely? Is this why we see baby bonuses timed for re-election and partisan ads on the taxpayer’s dime?

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Day 7 (p. 125 to 148): Tocqueville explains why we should be worried about the growing power in the Prime Minister’s hands; explains why we are starting to see election fraud.

“The time is now come for me to examine separately the supremacy with which the Union has been invested, and to cast a rapid glance… Continue reading Day 7 (p. 125 to 148): Tocqueville explains why we should be worried about the growing power in the Prime Minister’s hands; explains why we are starting to see election fraud.

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Day 6 (p. 109 to 124): Reading Tocqueville reminds us that we can forget the original reasons for particular laws, such as maintaining public order, which should lead us to refrain from taking fences down unless we know the reasons they were put up. Do we really want proportional representation?

Tocqueville analyzes the effect of having a constitution in America and how it is set up. Among other things, he is comparing this with the… Continue reading Day 6 (p. 109 to 124): Reading Tocqueville reminds us that we can forget the original reasons for particular laws, such as maintaining public order, which should lead us to refrain from taking fences down unless we know the reasons they were put up. Do we really want proportional representation?

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Day 5 (p. 76 to 108): Tocqueville reminds us that using government superfluously may make society weaker, not stronger. Should local governments be funding solar panel subsidies and incubator farms or does it enfeeble the people?

Not only were the Americans free, according to Tocqueville, but the understanding was that individuals were in the best position to deal with matters concerning… Continue reading Day 5 (p. 76 to 108): Tocqueville reminds us that using government superfluously may make society weaker, not stronger. Should local governments be funding solar panel subsidies and incubator farms or does it enfeeble the people?

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Day 4 (p. 61 to 76): On the importance of having meaningful ways for citizens to participate in governing themselves, with emphasis on the importance at the local level. Are municipal open houses enough? And, some thoughts on suffrage and whether society needs to fight wars in order to advance socially.

Tocqueville assesses the sovereignty of the American people. He notes it is clearer and more fully accepted there, “…it spreads freely, and arrives without impediment… Continue reading Day 4 (p. 61 to 76): On the importance of having meaningful ways for citizens to participate in governing themselves, with emphasis on the importance at the local level. Are municipal open houses enough? And, some thoughts on suffrage and whether society needs to fight wars in order to advance socially.

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Alexis de Tocqueville

Day 3 (p. 39 to 60): Do we have room in society to innovate politically anymore? And, is too much equality a bad thing? That is, do we need a leisure class to create leaders?

“It seemed as if New England was a region given up to the dreams of fancy and the unrestrained experiments of innovators (p. 40)”. What… Continue reading Day 3 (p. 39 to 60): Do we have room in society to innovate politically anymore? And, is too much equality a bad thing? That is, do we need a leisure class to create leaders?

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