Tocqueville: The Inexorability Of Democracy

“Some consider it a new thing, they hope to be able to stop it; whereas others judge it irresistible because to them it seems the most continuous, the oldest, and the most permanent fact known in history” (Democracy in America 3). Here Tocqueville presents the inexorability of democracy. In essence, democracy is a continuously expanding force where “all events, like all men, serve its development.” (Democracy in America 6). Most importantly, Tocqueville argues that democracy is not upheld without purpose. It is essentially “a sign of [God's] will” (Democracy in America 6) and opposing it would be defying God himself. The concept of God also connects to Louis XIV rule at Versailles. One of Louis' main sources of power is derived from the use of divine rule. It has allowed him to maintain his power by stopping anyone who opposes him because opposing him is directly opposing God. However, it seems that Louis XIV divine rule is used primarily to maintain his power; in Democracy in …show more content…
One of Tocqueville's main arguments is how democracy expands its influence over time. This is portrayed through Tocqueville's depiction of suffrage. He mentions “when a people begins to touch the electoral qualification… the forces of democracy increase and its demands grow with new power… and there is no stopping until [people] have arrived at universal suffrage” (Democracy in America 55). Obtaining universal suffrage is a slow and gradual process, but with each step, the right to vote is given to more and more people. In this instance, power is not in the hands of a small minority, or single leader, but it is placed in the hands of the people. Each time more people are given the right to vote, this encourages others to strive to achieve the right to vote. This example depicts how democracy is a constantly expanding force and once it starts expanding, it cannot be