For the history buffs: What would Alexis de Tocqueville think of democracy in America, as its practiced now?

Question

If you don't know who he is, please skip this quesiton.

Answer 1

There's no doubt in my mind that Tocqueville would be horrified by what he saw. Tocqueville was concerend not simply about how people achieve liberty, but more importantly how they continue to hold onto it.

Throughout his travels he saw that the chief difference between Americans and Europeans was that Americans had as little to do with government as possible. If a road needed to be repaired, or a bridge need to be built, Tocqueville observed, the Americans do not (as Europeans would) wait for government to do the job. Instead, they simply band together as citizens and make it happen.

This spirit of total self reliance, he concluded, was the Americans' greatest defense against tyranny; and he further argued that Europeans would never really be truly free unless they adopted similar virtues.

For some time now, that spirit of public-minded volunteerism has lapsed in America. People now expect government to do things they'd rather not be bothered with. To that end they surrender increasing amounts of power to government; and there's no doubt in my mind that Tocqueville would be horrified, because he understood all too well -- any government big enough to give you everything you want, of necessity, must also be a government big enough to take from you all that you have.

Hope this answer helps.

Answer 2

Tuning down to one topic, I'd love to see how deTocqueville qould react to our current system of "justice" and "law". As many, hopefully, of us know, Mr. deTocqueville studied lawyers in his study of democratic America. He reffered to them as the defenders of Demoracy and as the connection between the noble and common classes. Lawyers, according to deTocqueville, were born into the noble class and yet defenders of the lower classes and of the general interest of the people, o as to prevent them any abuse. I loved the beautiful way in which he studied our democratic system and can only help but wonder exatly what he'd think of lawyers in democratic America now. As we all know, not all attorneys are natural defenders of the people's cause or concerns. And they at times fail to defend our wallets, by overcharging and such. I wish he were still among us today, challenging our perception of "democracy" and enlightening us all.

Answer 3

He would probably be appreciative of what he would see as the USA's approach to colonization via indirect rule, as he appreciated The British Empire's approach to the same. Although this would probably be a parochial misunderstanding.

He would also probably feel as though his prior advocacy of racial segregation of Europeans from Arabs has been soundly vindicated by history.

Don't you think?

Xan Shui,
Philosophic Philanthropist, Honest Man

Answer 4

He would be pleased - especially the popularity of his ideals and books.

Answer 5

he wouldn't be happy..that much i could say. but... seriously no one would really know what someone that old thats not alive. would think today :S