Soft despotism

Democracy in America Throughout the course of history, mankind has been recorded to corrupt itself. Men have grown tired of simply surviving; they have had to take and conquer others. Absolute monarchies control wealth, land, and even lives of men. The conditions of the people were solely dependent on the conditions of the one who was in power in that particular place and time. History has proven that most men rule unwisely in their kingdoms. To avoid tyrannical rule, some make an attempt to

Alexis de Tocqueville’s Influence      Alexis de Tocqueville’s observation of the American prison system brought out several interesting facts about America and how it governs itself. He talks of the danger of greed for money, the importance of forming associations, and the power of influence in town government. Although many of his observations have since changed, many of them bring about legitimate points about American government and society.      In

Americans through the years of existence have adapted well to the radical changes throughout the world. Technology, independence and social equality are some of the diverse concepts the United States have adapted to and developed in order to become a more unified country. Our nation believes that it is exceptional when it comes to other countries worldwide. As can be shown through the popular reference to America as the ‘shining city on a hill’. The term “American exceptionalism” is derived from

interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism. Tocqueville believed that this individualism would soon "sap the virtue of public life" (395) and create a despotism of selfishness. This growth of despotism would be created by citizens becoming too individualistic, and therefore not bothering to fulfill their civic duties or exercise their freedom. Tocqueville feared that the political order of America would soon become

Implications of Mentally Pampering Students Over the past few years, the environment of American college campuses has changed drastically. More so than ever before, students and faculty must be extremely careful over their words and actions because of the recent trend of protecting students from anything that can offend them or cause them discomfort. The young men and women who are currently attending these institutes of higher learning will be the next generation of leaders in real-world politics

people can ultimately come to having to limit the freedom of others by redistributing the same wealth, opportunities, and goods. One critical manifestation of this tension between liberty and equality is what Tocqueville calls the “tyranny” or “despotism of the majority.” If all men are equal, then no one person or group of people can rule over any other person or people, meaning that the only choice Americans have is to live according to the will of the largest number of people—tyranny of the majority

Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America      Aristocracy is a phenomenon that is perhaps as natural a summer crop, and as devastating as the locusts that eat it. De Tocqueville’s position on aristocracy is quite clear. He is a strong advocate of the aristocracy, it is a part of the natural order and necessary. His position may have some basis, however I have yet to see the “upside'; of a caste system or a good defense of it.      De

of them. While there was an equality of the masses, there was still a much smaller group of people that held all the power. Given that despots have every interest in keeping people isolated, the individualism resulting from equality makes despotism a great threat to equality. Exercising freedom through participation in public affairs is therefore extremely vital because it gives people a personal interest in thinking about others in society. Local self governments are important because they

Navigating Interstitial Spaces “[T]he law permits the Americans to do what they please.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America The protection of virtue, I submit, requires an understanding of interstitial spaces—spaces where formalist adherence to rules and laws does not suffice to adequately promote virtue. Recognition of these spaces spawned agent morality and Aristotle’s practical wisdom. Fascination with these spaces fueled Alexis de Tocqueville’s inquiry into American religious

People in Great Britain wanted to escape the aristocracy and establish freedom for themselves and their families. The writings of Alexis de Tocqueville, in Democracy in America, and J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur's, "Letter from an American Farmer," helped catapult the idea of America being this new land of the brave and free. According to Tocqueville, American became a place where the Puritans found freedom for themselves. The Puritans really pushed for democracy and equality in this new land as