French sociologist and political theorist Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) traveled to the United States in 1831 to study its prisons and returned with a wealth of broader observations that he codified in “Democracy in America” (1835), one of the most influential books of the 19th century.
When did Tocqueville visit America?
French sociologist and political theorist Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) traveled to the United States in 1831 to study its prisons and returned with a wealth of broader observations that he codified in “Democracy in America” (1835), one of the most influential books of the 19th century.
What did de Tocqueville find when visiting America?
De Tocqueville found a deep respect for the law in America . The reason, he felt, was that the American citizens themselves held the ultimate power to change any laws they disliked. On the other hand, those who chose to violate the law were immediately branded as outcasts by the law-abiding majority.
How did Alexis de Tocqueville react to his visit to the United States?
How did Alexis de Tocqueville react to his visit to the United States? ... Tocqueville came to believe that democracy was an unstoppable force whose major benefit was equality before the law . However, he also described the tyranny of the majority, which overpowers the will of minorities and individuals.
How long did de Tocqueville stay in America?
Tocqueville and Beaumont spent nine months in the United States during 1831 and 1832, out of which came first their joint book, On the Penitentiary System in the United States and Its Application in France (1833); Beaumont’s Marie; or, Slavery in the United States (1835), on America’s race problems; and the first part ...
What aspect of American society is most striking to Tocqueville?
But for Tocqueville the most striking condition of American society was equality .
What limitations did Tocqueville recognize in American democracy?
What limitations did Tocqueville recognize in American democracy? It was only truly available to white men.
Why did Tocqueville write Democracy in America?
Tocqueville’s main purpose in writing Democracy in America was to analyze the functioning of political society and the various forms of political associations , although he also had some reflections on civil society as well as the relations between political and civil society.
What major difference did Tocqueville witness when he visited America in 1831?
Alexis Clérel Viscount de Tocqueville from France visited America in 1831 and found as major differences from American socio political system , its focus on individualism as an anchor and essential part of its democratic system, the political apathy of its citizens produced by the distrust on social authorities and a ...
How does Tocqueville define democracy?
Tocqueville identifies democracy (which he also calls equality) as the central feature of modern society . The concept has the same central role in his thought as “capitalism” does in Marx’s.
What did Alexis de Tocqueville see as the source of American civic spirit?
What did Alexis de Tocqueville see as the source of American civic spirit? He wondered how a society is so devoted to materialism and self-interest could produce the civic spirit needed for self-government . ... The fondness American citizens have for banding together in organizations to address problems of common interest.
What did Alexis de Tocqueville say about tyranny of the majority?
According to Tocqueville, the power of the majority arises from the fact that in a democracy every individual is, politically, the equal of every other individual . In this situation, the greatest power will always be the largest number of individuals who combine their strength to act together: normally, a majority.
What did Alexis de Tocqueville admire most about America when he visited here in 1831 what caused him worries?
Terms in this set (12) What did Alexis de Tocqueville admire most about America when he visited here in 1831? ... Alexis de Tocqueville most admired the democracy of America, and the ability for Americans to be free of designations of class, and the ease in which one could acquire a fortune .
What was a warning made by Alexis de Tocqueville quizlet?
“Tyranny of the majority” is a warning that “direct democracy” can destroy a government by giving those who are a majority in population the majority of power in government.
How have Tocqueville’s 5 values contributed to the success of our country?
Women and children were more independent, and the freedom of religion allowed for more religious denominations. As a result of his observations, Tocqueville determined five values crucial to America’s success as a constitutional republic: liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire .
