Democracy in America Essay - 2008 Words

Democracy in America Throughout the course of history, mankind has been recorded to corrupt itself. Men have grown tired of simply surviving; they have had to take and conquer others. Absolute monarchies control wealth, land, and even lives of men. The conditions of the people were solely dependent on the conditions of the one who was in power in that particular place and time. History has proven that most men rule unwisely in their kingdoms. To avoid tyrannical rule, some make an attempt to set up a government in which the people ruled themselves. This form of government is called a democracy, or â€Å"rule of the people.† History has also revealed through the Greeks and the French Revolution, that a democracy that gives complete power†¦show more content†¦As a result, it was not received as well as the first part, except in England where it was acclaimed highly.2 Tocqueville believes that history progresses with the inevitable growth of equality of conditions, and he sees America as the furthest progression of this growth. The extraordinary level of equality can be both a help and a hindrance to freedom. â€Å"On the one hand, one cannot have complete freedom. â€Å"As social conditions become more equal, the number increases who, although they are neither rich enough nor powerful enough to exercise any great influence over their fellow-creatures, have nevertheless acquired or retained sufficient education and fortune to satisfy their own wants.â€Å"1 â€Å"Yet at the same time, Tocqueville recognizes than in almost every situation, freedom is endangered by an overly ardent passion for equality.†3 â€Å"This, independently of equality itself, tends powerfully to divide men, to lead them to mistrust the judgment of others, and to seek the light of truth nowhere but in their own understandings.†1 Tocqueville inaccurately stated the out come of a possible civil war. â€Å"As long as it only indirectly assailed by the interpretation of its laws, and as long as its substances is not seriously altered, a change of opinion, an internal crisis, or a war, may restore all the vigor which it requires. So far is the Federal Government from acquiring strength, and from threatening the sovereignty of the States, as it grows older, that I maintainShow MoreRelatedEssay on Democracy in America664 Words   |  3 Pages Democracy in America By: Alexis De Tocqueville Democracy in America, by Alexis De Tocqueville is a book about how the American States and the federal government would grow politically and socially under the umbrella of democracy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alexis De Tocqueville sees the United States as a unique entity because of how and why it started as well as its geographical location. Alexis De Tocqueville explains that the foundations of the democratic process in America are completely different from anywhereRead MoreDemocracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville1300 Words   |  6 PagesThe Consideration of Democracy, Blacks, and Slavery Tocqueville, in Democracy in America, dwells on the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy. When discussing race relations, he recognizes that the presence of the black race in America and the occupation of blacks in slavery could threaten the continuation of the United States as a Union and a republic. As a Union, the United States could be torn apart by the disparities between the North and the South and tensions between blacks and whitesRead MoreEssay about Alexis de Tocqueville: Democracy in America1197 Words   |  5 Pages Democracy in America has been a guiding principle since the foundation of the country. Many over the years have commented on the structure and formation of democracy but more importantly the implementation and daily function within the democratic parameters that have been set. Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker and historian born July 29, 1805. He is most famously known for his work Democracy in America. Democracy in America has be en an evolving social and economic reform, andRead MoreCritical Analysis of Alex de Tocquevilles Democracy in America1366 Words   |  6 PagesAnalysis of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America Alexis de Tocqueville’s visit to the United States in 1831 prompted his work Democracy in America. This was supposed to be a chance for him to take a look at the American prison system. However, it was obvious from his writing that he looked at every aspect of American culture. In Democracy in America, he takes a look at how democracy works and the pitfalls that could bring about the downfall of democracy. Throughout his travels he noticedRead MoreAlexis de Tocquevilles Democracy in America Essay example982 Words   |  4 PagesAlexis de Tocquevilles visit to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century prompted his work Democracy in America, in which he expressed the ability to make democracy work. Throughout his travels Tocqueville noted that private interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism. Tocqueville believed that this individualism would soon sap the virtue of p ublic life (395) and create a despotism of selfishnessRead MoreAmerican Traditional Politics: Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville1207 Words   |  5 Pageslike myself, believe and support that equality as well as liberty are vital features to a sustainable democracy. But how strong the two features are together is where the doubt lies. Alexis de Tocqueville was convinced that liberty and equality would always cause tension between the two never letting each reach its full abilities. This was Tocqueville’s main reason behind his problems with democracy, and which through his book I can agree with his concerns of the two in tension. With the developmentRead MoreDemocracy in America647 Words   |  3 PagesDemocracy in America Democracy is the type of government that America uses every day. In America, democracy is in control as of now. People have their own opinion if America is successful as a Democracy or not. Democracy has meaning, and multiple values. Democracy a certain type of system a government uses to abide by. This government’s values are meant to please the American citizens, and their needs. Democracy looks different to the types of citizens that make up the American society. The multipleRead MoreAmerica Is Not A Democracy1592 Words   |  7 Pages How America is not a Democracy â€Å"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...and to the republic for which it stands...one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.† (â€Å"Is the United States a Democracy?†) The United States’ pledge is taught to children of all ages, plays an active role in the patriotism of the people, and it symbolizes the citizen’s promise to never violate the Republic of the United States of America. The founding fathers built the foundationRead MoreIs America A Democracy?1954 Words   |  8 Pages The word democracy elicits different perceptions from different people. Some may see democracy as only a government ruled directly by the people, in which the people write and choose laws directly. Others may include representative democracy in which representatives are chosen by the people to write, pass, and enforce laws. It is the latter view that would best describe America. In this sense, America is not a pure dem ocracy, and few would ever say it was founded as one. However, the question remains:Read MoreDemocracy in America2118 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿ Democracy in America Pos/110 June 2, 2013 We live in this country for the land, and the for the free as Americans we rely on many attributes in this world in order for us to live our lives. Our government has supplied us with many great things for us to be proud of. Our government is â€Å"the institutions and processes though which public policies are made for society.† (Edwards, Wattenberg, and Lineberry, p. 7). With all these institutions which includes the President