The American conception of government and the role of its citizens

Tocqueville posits that democracy is the inevitable destiny of modern societies and that it is prone to many dangers. In the earlier days when supporters of aristocracy and democracy strongly opposed each other very few Americans made the efforts to make democracy more efficient. He strives to explain how the central government and state governments can work together, with the judiciary and other institutions to ensure that the Federal constitution is not violated. Tocqueville impresses on the need to come up with a system of study that will enhance democracy in America. He observes that it has advanced the farthest in America among the countries of the world and managed to so without falling into the many pitfalls that beset democracy. In his writings, Tocqueville believed that democracy was justified because its benefits outweigh its drawbacks and it offers opportunities to lots of citizens.

He observed that while America was democratic it also contained many features of governance that contradicted purely democratic governments in which the people have the sole authority to govern. Thus he does not view America as a democracy, rather democracy and America are two separate concepts to him. In his writings, Tocqueville thus endeavors to find ways to make democracy more effective in its purpose for America as a country[1]. He concludes that for democracy to retain its effectiveness, the people must govern, parties must be able to facilitate proper national dialogue and a working press that is not censored in any way should be allowed to do its work[2]. The writer examines democracy in America and points out the loopholes through which democracy can be made ineffective to the extent of tyranny dominating America. To Tocqueville, democracy is seen as equality where all citizens are seen as equals regardless of their socioeconomic status or intellectual achievements.

He observes that democracy is very influential and has a great contribution to make in determining the course and destiny of western societies. He claims that institutions, laws, ideas and practices derive their existence from the social state which is shaped by democracy. When Tocqueville talks about democracy, he argues that it is the form of governance that derives its sovereignty from the people but also cautions against the drawbacks that may result from democracy being based on universal suffrage[3]. Tocqueville sets out to reconcile the apparent contradiction of a mode of governance where individual liberty is predominant and yet the majority rules. He further advocates that democracy should help ensure equality in the distribution of property, income and wealth that can be achieved by providing equal opportunities for all to acquire those things[4]. Tocqueville observes that in Anglo-American society equality was ingrained throughout the history of the nation although, this form of equality was not ideal but an approximation of democracy.

The disparities that he observed were correctly attributed to inequalities that he attributed policies and practices that were prevalent in the society like inheritance laws. However, these laws when exposed to democracy brought upheavals that people rallied around to eradicate and in a way ended up being the reason equality advanced in America. He observes that the wealthy despise democracy but are prudent enough to be courteous to their less affluent fellow citizens. He observes that this contrasts widely with how things are done in European countries in which aristocrats do not freely interact with the commoners. The author examines the interactions and relationships between the rich and the poor.

He observes that democracy is most effective during periods of crisis because people of great character tend to rise and guide people during these times. However, in periods of apparent calm, he claims great danger exists because some parties or a small group of individuals tend to prevail with little to no resistance. These parties he points out become complacent and begin to serve the interests of a few at the expense of the people[5]. He claims that all political parties tend to claim to have the best interest of the majority at heart but few individuals lack the intellectual ability to determine what the individual ordinary citizen needs. This he so convincingly points out can only be determined by the majority.

The writer also correctly emphasizes the role the press plays in ensuring that democracy is made possible and enhanced to its apex. Informed citizens conversant with the events of the country around them are better equipped to provide inputs that have better chances of bringing about the correct political decisions. Freedom of association is another important avenue through which democracy is affected. However, as past events have shown modern America has thrived under universal suffrage as far as governing and politics are concerned. Tocqueville has thus been proven wrong on that aspect. Another aspect that he was opposed to was the high frequency with which political leaders are elected in America. This also has worked successfully to earn the present United States the title ‘the free country’.

 

Bibliography

de Tocqueville, Alexis. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2." (1835)

 

 

 

[1] Alexis, de Tocqueville. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2." (1835). p. 375.

 

[2] Alexis, de Tocqueville. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2." (1835). p. 289.

 

[3] Alexis, de Tocqueville. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2."  (1835). p. 309.

 

[4] Alexis, de Tocqueville. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2."  (1835). p. 378

 

[5] Alexis, de Tocqueville. "Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition, vol. 2." (1835). p. 427.