Democracy in America
Alexis de Tocqueville
According to Tocqueville, “There are only two ways to make equality prevail in the political world: there must be given equal rights to every citizen, or to none” (Pg. 52). Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America highlights the characteristics of the first immigrants to New England who were equally the same, the aristocratic laws that were introduced in the South during the time of the revolution, changes in the laws of succession and the effects produced by these changes, equality carried to its ultimate limits in the new western States and lastly, the equality of intelligences. “The final step to equality involved the law of inheritance” (Pg. 47). Tocqueville suggests that there is indeed …show more content…
Two different societies are mixed together, two separate and almost independent governments; one regular and unlimited and the other exceptional, and restricted. Major political principles of American society were born and developed in the State. Political or administrative life is concentrated in these three centers of action. The character of the Union requires an examination of their States, so it appears that the political life is organized around three levels: the township, the county and the State. The township is made up of modest elements often they refuse the work of the legislature. The difficulty for the independence of the township, rather than decrease as illustrated nations increases their preparation and their culture. Among all freedoms of the townships, which are established with great difficulty, they are also the most exposed to the invasions of power. However, it is in the township where the strength of free peoples resides. “They were afraid that creating strong and independent townships would divide power over society and expose the state to anarchy” (Pg. 57). For Tocqueville the township of New England is known for its independence and power, independence is internal because it is limited to the territory it occupies and power is widely distributed among the people, which are people without great class distinctions. But the county has only limited and …show more content…
Religion in America has been able to separate political power and does so in such a way that no priest or pastor is presented for public office; some states dictate specific laws against it although it is not necessary because the public already does it. This happens not because it marginalizes religion, but because it gets a lot more influence in exchange for losing political power. “In general, American priests embrace civil liberty, even those who do not support religious liberty; however, they do not endorse any particular political system” (Pg. 85). Thus, maintaining a constant influence on the moral principles of the society, which then moves to politics, and churches, they are not troubled by the political power. This division between church and state guarantees the balance in both areas. For Tocqueville if tyranny was imposed in democratic societies, this would be more benign than the emperors of ancient Rome as society itself is as moderate as mediocre and is numb for
Alexis de Tocqueville
According to Tocqueville, “There are only two ways to make equality prevail in the political world: there must be given equal rights to every citizen, or to none” (Pg. 52). Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America highlights the characteristics of the first immigrants to New England who were equally the same, the aristocratic laws that were introduced in the South during the time of the revolution, changes in the laws of succession and the effects produced by these changes, equality carried to its ultimate limits in the new western States and lastly, the equality of intelligences. “The final step to equality involved the law of inheritance” (Pg. 47). Tocqueville suggests that there is indeed …show more content…
Two different societies are mixed together, two separate and almost independent governments; one regular and unlimited and the other exceptional, and restricted. Major political principles of American society were born and developed in the State. Political or administrative life is concentrated in these three centers of action. The character of the Union requires an examination of their States, so it appears that the political life is organized around three levels: the township, the county and the State. The township is made up of modest elements often they refuse the work of the legislature. The difficulty for the independence of the township, rather than decrease as illustrated nations increases their preparation and their culture. Among all freedoms of the townships, which are established with great difficulty, they are also the most exposed to the invasions of power. However, it is in the township where the strength of free peoples resides. “They were afraid that creating strong and independent townships would divide power over society and expose the state to anarchy” (Pg. 57). For Tocqueville the township of New England is known for its independence and power, independence is internal because it is limited to the territory it occupies and power is widely distributed among the people, which are people without great class distinctions. But the county has only limited and …show more content…
Religion in America has been able to separate political power and does so in such a way that no priest or pastor is presented for public office; some states dictate specific laws against it although it is not necessary because the public already does it. This happens not because it marginalizes religion, but because it gets a lot more influence in exchange for losing political power. “In general, American priests embrace civil liberty, even those who do not support religious liberty; however, they do not endorse any particular political system” (Pg. 85). Thus, maintaining a constant influence on the moral principles of the society, which then moves to politics, and churches, they are not troubled by the political power. This division between church and state guarantees the balance in both areas. For Tocqueville if tyranny was imposed in democratic societies, this would be more benign than the emperors of ancient Rome as society itself is as moderate as mediocre and is numb for