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?

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
Tags ,

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.

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America

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?

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
Tags , , , ,

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?

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America

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.

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
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?

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
Tags , , , , ,
Alexis de Tocqueville

Day 2 (p. 19 to 39): Is the tree in the seed? That is, is a people trapped by its origins, such as the more racist American South? What would this mean for aboriginal relations in Canada?

Tocqueville takes time to describe the geography of America, its native inhabitants and the situation and characteristics of its early settlers. He claims that we… Continue reading Day 2 (p. 19 to 39): Is the tree in the seed? That is, is a people trapped by its origins, such as the more racist American South? What would this mean for aboriginal relations in Canada?

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
Tags , , , ,
Alexis de Tocqueville

Day 1 (p. 3 to 17): According to Tocqueville, there is a “permanent tendency” for societies to become more equal. Is he right? The term “social license” sure makes him seem so.

“Amongst the novel objects that attracted my attention during my stay in the United States, nothing struck me more forcibly than the general equality of… Continue reading Day 1 (p. 3 to 17): According to Tocqueville, there is a “permanent tendency” for societies to become more equal. Is he right? The term “social license” sure makes him seem so.

PUBLISHED ON Posted on Author BY Brockin Categories Responses to Democracy in America
Tags , ,