...Alexis de Tocqueville was a French sociologist and political theorist who traveled to the United States in 1831. He returned with a wealth of broader observations that he organized in “Democracy in America”, observations on equality and individualism. He came to America to imagine a future democratic society. His first observation was that innumerable multitude of men, all equal and alike, incessantly endeavoring to procure the petty and paltry pleasures with which they glut their lives. Tocqueville brings up points of how all men leading different lives, talking how we all are strangers to the fate of others. How our lives only revolve around our close family rather than both close family and “the whole of mankind”. He then brings up points of how the supposed friends, we know they are there but never acknowledge it, “he is close to them, but he does not see them; he touches...
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...Alexis De Tocqueville believes that African Americans and White people should be equal, however when rights were given to the African Americans there was still a divide between the two races. Racial inequality did not only happen in Alexis De Tocqueville’s era, however it occurred from the Civil Rights Movement and current time. Police brutality occurs a lot in recent years because of racial tension occurring between a white police officer and an African American male. These occurrences happen in the low-income neighborhoods because crime rates are higher. African American people are in lower income neighbors because of racial inequality in workplaces and society. In society, African American are hired far less than any other minority individual in this country...
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...Summary 1 At the beginning or Part 2 Chapter 1, Tocqueville says that the most vivid affection equality creates is passion for that equality. Then he says equality can be instituted in civil society and not be in power in the political world. He then goes on to say that in different times and in different conditions freedom has embodied itself to men. It is not connected entirely to one social state and one run into it elsewhere than in democracies. For this reason it cannot build the discrete characteristics of democratic centuries. Towards the middle of the chapter Tocqueville says the belongings that freedom brings display themselves only in the long term, and it is forever successful to fail to admit the cause that gives life to them. One sees a continuation from their birthplace each day. The convenience of equality make themselves acknowledgeable from now on. Lastly Tocqueville says that democratic people have a familiar attachment for freedom; left to themselves they chase it, they adore it, and they will see themselves subdivided from it only within affliction. Revised Summary 1 At the beginning or part, 2 chapter 1, Tocqueville says that the most vivid affection equality creates is passion for that equality. In a slight shift he points out that equality can be instituted in civil society and not be in power in the political world. Elaborating on this point he points out that in different times and in different conditions freedom has embodied itself to men...
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...The above quote relays the ways exploitative rhetoric used by 1960’s politicians created fear among whites. As well as a foreshadowment of the analogous issues in the 1980s. Moreover the introduction of harsher sentencing due to the white’s public fear illustrates the effects the majority and public opinion have on dominating the minority. Tocqueville stated, “In all the American republics the central government is only occupied with a small number of matters important enough to attract its attention. It does not undertake to regulate society’s secondary concerns, and there is no indication of that has ever conceived the desire to do so.” (Tocqueville 262) The basis of the above quote reveals the government's tendency to appease the primary...
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...Alexis De Tocqueville recognizes both the distinctiveness of the American Judicial Branch when compared to foreign national courts, and the great powers judicial review possesses. It is safe to assume that Tocqueville viewed the Federal Court in a very positive light; he believed that the judicial branch forms “one of the most powerful barriers that has ever been raised against the tyranny of political assemblies” (pg 98). Tocqueville repeatedly praises the court. In addition to making the claim that the federal court holds the future of America in their hands, by wielding the “moral force” that creates order. Moreover, Tocqueville expands this argument by clarifying to the reader the two means in which a government can “[Defeat] the resistance that the governed oppose to them” (pg 131), or in other words, to restore order....
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...Definition Essay: Democracy Read the following quotations: “There are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult – to begin a war and to end it.” Alexis de Tocqueville (French Historian and Political Scientist, 1805-1859) “Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either [aristocracy or monarchy]. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.” John Adams (Second President of the United States) “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.” Abraham Lincoln (Sixteenth President of the United States) “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” George Bernard Shaw (Irish Playwright and Essayist, 1856-1950) Write an essay in which you define the word Democracy. Basic Requirements: o Introduction paragraph with thesis statement (HINT: This thesis statement will propose your definition of the word Democracy.) o 2-3 body paragraphs that correlate with your thesis statement and support your definition o A concluding paragraph that reminds me of your key points and effectively argues your definition As you write your essay, you must: o Focus on defining the concept of Democracy. o Effectively organize your ideas using the provided graphic organizer. (A five-paragraph essay is not necessary; however, you do need a definite introduction, body and conclusion.) o Include supporting...
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...Alexis de Tocqueville and Karl Marx, a discussion on their ideas as well as a comparison of the two thinkers. Alexis de Tocqueville is an aristocrat thinker From France that provides the most famous and influential views on democracy. In his work “Democracy in America”, he regards America as a land of liberty and democracy due to reasons like mores, geographical and historical advantages, but also provides a foresight on the future of democracy in America, and the threats to democracy and possible dangers of democracy. He believes the puritans were the one that contributed the most to American democracy, since they were all middle-class men with no salient differences when they first settled down in America. Also, they brought religion and political liberty to Amercia. Marx and Tocqueville holds different views on human nature. For Marx, he reflected on what it means to be truly human. Since he thinks that all species-beings are communal beings, he disaprroves things like religion, wage-labour and other forms of alienation that bring us far away from our communal nature and we must overcome them. For tocqueville, he emphazied a lot on dignity and liberty and he thinks that we are all born free and that we have the ability to be the best judge of our own lives. Moreoever, we have natural rights given by gods and that we have liberty and we should respect the rights of others at the same time. Besides, their visions on the future of society are also different. For Tocqueville, he believes...
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...Tyranny and American Democracy Oppression is something dreaded by everyone. This universal fear was a much larger problem in the 1800’s than it is today. Tyranny was a fear that the Federalists, Anti-Federalists, and Alexis de Tocqueville had in common. The Federalists feared tyranny of the majority, or faction while the Anti-Federalists feared tyranny of the aristocracy. Tocqueville feared “soft despotism” but supported tyranny of the patriarchy. While the Federalist and the Anti-Federalists were the visionaries for America who tried to prevent different tyrannies, Tocqueville discusses the hypocrisies in America that the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists were against. The Federalists strongly believed that the newly founded republic needed a large, centralized government in order to discourage tyranny of the majority. Hamilton voices this opinion when he says “a firm Union will be of the utmost moment to the peace and liberty of the States as a barrier against domestic faction and insurrection.” (Hamilton, 66, Federalist No. 9) This is because a large, centralized government uses the system of the checks and balances, which prevent domestic faction and revolt. The Federalists made it clear that they opposed a mob ruling and the minorities being denied their rights. The main danger the new republic faced, they argued, was the superior force of an “interested and overbearing majority.” (Madison, 72, No. 10) The Federalists solution on how to deal with majority faction...
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...Exploration of Individualism As Described By Alexis de Tocqueville in Democracy In America By Mario A. Griseta Jr The classic work Democracy In America by Alexis de Tocqueville has been the source of scholarly pursuit as well as strife within that same community. Through a brief examination of this text, several of Tocqueville’s arguments helped to define, for me, many of the constructs that made America what it was and that have led to what it has become today. Of the many themes and ideas presented by Tocqueville, his thoughts on individualism struck the loudest chord with me. Tocqueville describes America as a society of joiners because of the fact that it is a country almost entirely composed of immigrants. This, in addition to the pursuit and promise of “equality of conditions” that Americas touted as an unofficial theme, brought citizens from many classes together in closer proximity and relation. Although this sounds like a good thing, and I believe it is, Tocqueville argued that with this blending of social classes and as opportunity increased people would isolate themselves, "bond of human affections is extended and loosened" (p. 483). As people gained wealth and left behind the daily struggle to survive many sought out education and as a result of this enlightenment developed the "habit of always considering themselves in isolation" (p. 484). This individualism is likened to selfishness by Tocqueville but he is careful to point out that he does not believe...
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...within the culture. The image of the Erie Canal Workers shows the change from an earlier ideal of American life and labor, where ones labor was to be used to work and cultivate your own land to sustain your own living. This image of the Erie Canal workers shows the exact opposite of this self owned concept for labor. All of these men are essentially being used as machines, good for nothing but labor, to work and make use of the land owned by someone else, for someone else's profit. The fruits of their labor would not be actual fruits as they might previously have been, but a monetary amount, to be budgeted as best as possible to buy things from other people. This dependence on others and this early establishment of a working class. Tocqueville connects with this idea when he discusses the tyranny of the majority, “within a democracy organized as the United States, only one power is encountered, only one source of strength and success, with nothing outside them[1].” This describes the amount of power in the hands of the...
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...In the book, Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville analyzes an extensive range of topics, with a prevalent theme being American attitudes and the democratic values of equality and freedom. But, there are some threats to the ideal democracy everyone visualizes when they think of democracy. These are mass society, democratic despotism and extremes of wealth and poverty. Tocqueville suggests multiple solutions to these issues. I think the issues of mass society, democratic despotism and the extremes of wealth and poverty are effectively dealt with through an increased social awareness and voluntary societal associations, control of local liberties as well as through an increased role of citizens in the judicial system. The three issues...
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...Tocqueville on Material Well-Being One’s possessions may become an important aspect of their life where people constantly desire more belongings. In a democracy, citizens crave a sense of material well-being. This unique feature of the democracy leads to individuals attempting to acquire more and more without achieving satisfaction with what they already own. People spend their money to obtain belongings rather than saving it. Unlike in an aristocracy, everyone must work for their earnings making individuals place greater significance on the possessions bought with their income. Democratic citizens, more than those in other types of government, value material items because of a restless need for more, and a middle class fueling comparisons...
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...Tocqueville, a French aristocrat shares his many beliefs about America, some good and some bad in his book Democracy of America. In the introduction pages Tocqueville’s main points about the role of religion in America stem from democracy and equality. Tocqueville believes “God’s providence” has provided the people of America equality and direction in their lives. American democracy, like Christianity, plays a large role in this newfound “America.” Christians live their lives under Gods rule and this rule is not only played out spiritually between families and groups of people but also throughout cities and towns in America. For example, people being punished by the law in the states all get treated the same way when it come time for trial....
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...means of getting information. He compares the French to the American media to justify his claim that the press can cause a great influence on how you view facts, and how the press can influence your opinion. "The press cannot create human passions, however skillfully it may kindle them where they exist"(p. 3). He goes on by stating in America political news is not affected by passionate citizens you truly care about the actual problems, rather than American passion in news mainly focuses on petty interests and consumerism. The intellectual part of the media have been depleted if not completely removed from our grasp. Whereas in France the main focus of the press is based on political interest and advertisements are limited. Other points Tocqueville make on American media is how we attack each other's ideas. "The United States has no metropolis;... instead of radiating from a common point they cross each other in every direction the Americas have nowhere established any central direction of opinion”(p.4). Our opinions are no longer formed on facts gathered over varying of sources. Instead the first thing we hear or see that we choose to believe is what we consider to be ‘true’. “The opinions established in the United States under the influence of the liberty of the press are more frequently rooted than those which are formed elsewhere under the sanction of a censor”(p.5). Further more, de Tocqueville's observations of the American...
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...Case study: Michael Novak: Capitalism and the corporation The problem investigated is the growth of corporations and capitalism to the extent that they become unavoidably inseparable in order to maintain a cohesive, civil society. Corporations have been with humanity since the beginning of organized government. Capitalism can be loosely defined as the economic freedom to allow for the building of wealth, both individually and corporately. In order to provide for that freedom, governments must be in one accord with corporations to that end. Adam Smith’s writings tell us in the course of history that countries may finally become a “Nation of Commerce” as part of a natural progression. He further suggests an individual’s economy is inevitably woven into the fabric of society and that fabric should be allowed to grow without the interference of politics, which we can fairly judge as governments of all kinds (Smith, 1776). To this point, both Smith and Novak concur that, “sources of private capital and private wealth, independent of the state, are crucial to the survival of liberty”. (Novak, 1997, p. 32) The American corporation faces the responsibility of creating a social good beyond the four reasons given by Michael Novak. First, it creates jobs. Second, it provides desirable goods and services. Third, through its profits it creates wealth that did not exist before. Fourth, it is a private social instrument, independent of the state, for the moral and material support of other...
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