Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America: key questions and analysis

¶ … Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America (attached)

Q1.What do you think De Tocqueville meant when he said that the principle of association was used as a 'weapon' by the aristocracy, whilst democrats used it 'to seek recognition'? Is this distinction too simplistic? Could democrats use the principle of association as a weapon too? Can you think of any contemporary examples?

Association provides an important power for the group. It allows the group to make a statement, to stress their ideas and to create competition. The Democrats see it as a means to seek recognition because the democrat doctrine is based on the principle of association of common ideas and a tighter connection with the people. The Republicans appeal to a different type of electorate that in association seeks to change in a more aggressive manner. The political parties nowadays are contemporary examples of associations.

Q2.According to De Tocqueville, what is freedom based on? How does he distinguish between aristocratic and democratic freedom? Why do you think this distinction is important to De Tocqueville?

Freedom is based on the structure of government and the institutions. based on rights, on the right to association, on the freedom of press. Aristocratic freedom tends to be more related to the individual whereas democratic freedom is part of the freedom of association. The distinction is important because it relates to the core notions of democracy and freedom.

Q3.How does De Tocqueville define democracy? Is this how you would have defined democracy? If not, how would you have defined it?

There is no clear definition of democracy but rather a consideration that democracy implies a separation of wealth so that there is no lack of equality and a transfer of power from the hands of a few into the hands of the many. Democracy can also be the rule of the majority with due regard for the minority.

Q4.Why does De Tocqueville think newspapers are so important?

Newspapers are important because they offer a communication channel and they provide a "voice" for the associated groups.

Q5. We are accustomed, these days, to thinking about democracy in terms of elections and forms of government. However, this course repeatedly refers to democracy as a mode of interaction and as a way of life. This seems to be a much broader conception of democracy. What are some of the implications of thinking about democracy in this way? What might be the implications for a public sphere where public solidarity might be constructed?

Democracy can be a means of interaction. However, usually it limits the possibilities to make differences between people without creating groups that at one point can be antagonistic in view. At the same time, democracy allows people ith different views come together on a particular subject they share an opinion, state their mind and make a positive change.

Q6. What does De Tocqueville mean by 'artificial solidarity'?

Artificial solidarity resembles a tailored feeling of solidarity based on a foundation that is not real and one which was applied to a society without real background that would support it in a true manner. It resembles an individual that is pious in clothes and behavior, but his house is full of luxurious belongings.

Q7. Why should democrats remember the 'utility of forms'?

Forms are tools through which barriers are set and rules are created. In a system that allows people to use their rights to freedom, it is important to have such forms and to respect them.

Q8. What is 'self-interest rightly understood'? Where does De Tocqueville derive this idea from? Why is it so important?

The term refers to the right of every individual to follow his own interests but at the same time to understand that his interests must not make any pressure on the happiness of the person next to him. This is important because it points out the limits of one's happiness and the border of the other one's happiness. People have the right to understand in their own way their interest, but they must not hinder the freedom and rights of other people.

Q9. What are the dangers faced by democracies, according to De Tocqueville?