Tocqueville in Democracy in America,

Tocqueville

In Democracy in America, Alexis DeTocqueville describes the nature of democracy in general as well as the nature of democracy as it manifested in the United States of America. The author discusses the potential pitfalls and dangers of American-style democracy, focusing in particular on the problems of complacency formed through materialism and excess individualism. DeTocqueville shows that while American democracy is a definite step in the right direction, and that democracy will inevitably take root in all cultures throughout the world, that citizens in democratic societies like the United States should take care to better understand the nature and structure of democratic institutions. According to the author, the nature of democracy is the institutionalized preservation of civil liberties. However, in the United States, the institutions that purport to uphold the tenets of freedom and liberty can become dangerously tyrannical or despotic. For example, DeTocqueville warns against excessive powers being exercised by the legislative branch of government (which in the United States is Congress). DeTocqueville bases his criticisms and analyses on the observation that a majority rule alone can become tyrannical: the tyranny of the majority. To balance out the unchecked powers of the legislature, citizens of democratic societies need to have in place several counterbalances such as religion, gender equality, strong executive power, de-centralized institutions, strong local government, and the absolute freedoms of press and of association. The United States of America, according to DeTocqueville, adequately represents democracy in action, and is perhaps the first example of a successful democratic state. DeTocqueville issues his warnings so that America does not destroy the foundation of freedom and liberty.

The author deeply admires democratic governments, institutions, and ways of life. For DeTocqueville, democracy means freedom and liberty. However, in the pursuit of freedom and liberty through democratic government, the citizens of the state should not pursue an unattainable type of social equality. The United States, according to DeTocqueville, stresses equality. This stress on equality distinguishes America from the democracies that existed before it. Absolute equality is impossible to achieve and cannot be legislated. Rather than overly emphasize the majority rule as is commonly done in American democracy, citizens should value all opinions and allow for freedom of expression.