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 21 (p. 383 to p. 411) Tocqueville examines the impact of American settlers on the native inhabitants, discovering that, while the federal and state governments acted in bad faith, a combination of other forces and the customs of the natives themselves, also contributed to their demise.

  Tocqueville examines the predicament of the native inhabitants of America, identifying four major causes of their decline and suffering: malicious settler governments, the customs… Continue reading Day 21 (p. 383 to p. 411) Tocqueville examines the impact of American settlers on the native inhabitants, discovering that, while the federal and state governments acted in bad faith, a combination of other forces and the customs of the natives themselves, also contributed to their demise.

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Day 19 (p. 332 to 363): Writers in the past saw a more important and permanent place for religion in society. How seriously should we (relatively less religious societies) take their analyses today?

Reading old books is interesting for many reasons, but one of my favourites is seeing how people viewed religion before atheism became mainstream. I remember… Continue reading Day 19 (p. 332 to 363): Writers in the past saw a more important and permanent place for religion in society. How seriously should we (relatively less religious societies) take their analyses today?

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Day 18 (p. 313 to 331): Tocqueville makes the bold claim that the widespread use of juries in America is the reason for their political prudence. Is Judge Judy to the citizenry what Sesame Street is to children?

“I think that the practical intelligence and political good sense of the Americans are mainly attributable to the long use which they have made of… Continue reading Day 18 (p. 313 to 331): Tocqueville makes the bold claim that the widespread use of juries in America is the reason for their political prudence. Is Judge Judy to the citizenry what Sesame Street is to children?

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Day 17 (p. 294 to 312): Tocqueville argues that the majority does not have a right to vote for whatever laws it wants, but is limited by what is just. But who decides what is just and enforces it, if not the majority?

“…freedom of opinion does not exist in America (p. 307)”.   This is not the opening line of Tocqueville’s chapter entitled, ‘Unlimited Power of the… Continue reading Day 17 (p. 294 to 312): Tocqueville argues that the majority does not have a right to vote for whatever laws it wants, but is limited by what is just. But who decides what is just and enforces it, if not the majority?

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Day 16 (p. 273 to 293): Tocqueville suggests that democracy is a trade-off. Its aim is not to secure for you good government but, rather, a good life. If we limit our democracy in order to make better laws, such as free trade, do we inevitably make society weaker?

If you want to restore your faith in democracy, read pages 282 to 293 of Democracy in America. Tocqueville very eloquently makes a number of… Continue reading Day 16 (p. 273 to 293): Tocqueville suggests that democracy is a trade-off. Its aim is not to secure for you good government but, rather, a good life. If we limit our democracy in order to make better laws, such as free trade, do we inevitably make society weaker?

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Day 15 (p. 249 to 272) Tocqueville shows how human nature plays a role in how public servants are paid and how long democracies can carry on war. His reflections on war echo Kant’s essay on Perpetual Peace, in which Kant envisions the League of Nations, the United Nations and, perhaps, even the European Union.

One of the most interesting things about reading Tocqueville is seeing how his understanding of human nature plays out in his interpretation of society and… Continue reading Day 15 (p. 249 to 272) Tocqueville shows how human nature plays a role in how public servants are paid and how long democracies can carry on war. His reflections on war echo Kant’s essay on Perpetual Peace, in which Kant envisions the League of Nations, the United Nations and, perhaps, even the European Union.

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Day 14 (p. 228 to 249, part 2): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as representatives who aren’t top notch. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides. Can we adopt different voting systems to increase the quality of our politicians?

Another concern with unlimited democracy, according to Tocqueville, is its tendency to put the powers of government in the hands of people who are likely… Continue reading Day 14 (p. 228 to 249, part 2): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as representatives who aren’t top notch. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides. Can we adopt different voting systems to increase the quality of our politicians?

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Day 13 (p. 228 to 249, part 1): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as overspending and disorganized administration. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides.

“Democracy, carried to its furthest limits, is therefore prejudicial to the art of government… (p. 244)”.   Tocqueville continues with his theme that unlimited democracy… Continue reading Day 13 (p. 228 to 249, part 1): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as overspending and disorganized administration. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides.

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Day 12 (p. 207 to 227 continued): Unrestricted freedom of association can be dangerous in some cases, such as states that lack universal suffrage. Is the demand for democracy exceeding its supply today?

  Tocqueville considers whether restrictions should be placed on the freedom of association, particularly with respect to political parties.   Tocqueville turns his attention to… Continue reading Day 12 (p. 207 to 227 continued): Unrestricted freedom of association can be dangerous in some cases, such as states that lack universal suffrage. Is the demand for democracy exceeding its supply today?

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