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Alexis de Tocqueville: A Master of Democratic Statesmanship

Angelo Ward

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Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker and historian who is best known for his work on democracy in the United States. Born into a noble family in 1805, Tocqueville traveled to the United States in 1831 to study the country's prison system. However, he was soon drawn to the study of American democracy, and his observations on the subject would shape his thinking for the rest of his life.

Tocqueville was a keen observer of American society, and he was particularly interested in the ways in which democracy worked in practice. He noted that Americans were highly individualistic, but he also saw that they were capable of great collective action. He believed that democracy was a powerful force for good, but he also recognized its potential for tyranny. Tocqueville's writings on democracy are still widely read today, and they offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of democratic government.

Alexis de Tocqueville and the Art of Democratic Statesmanship

by L. Joseph Hebert Jr.

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Tocqueville's View of Democracy

Tocqueville believed that democracy was the natural and inevitable form of government in the modern world. He argued that the rise of democracy was due to the increasing equality of conditions among people. As people became more equal, they became less willing to accept the authority of others. This led to the decline of traditional forms of government, such as monarchy and aristocracy, and the rise of democracy.

Tocqueville believed that democracy was a good thing, but he also recognized its potential dangers. He warned that democracy could lead to tyranny if it was not properly managed. He argued that the best way to prevent tyranny was to create a strong civil society. A civil society is a network of voluntary associations, such as churches, schools, and clubs. These associations help to create a sense of community and belonging, and they also provide a check on the power of the government.

Tocqueville's Influence on American Thought

Tocqueville's writings have had a profound influence on American thought. His work has been cited by many American presidents and statesmen, including Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson. Tocqueville's insights into the nature of democracy have also been influential in the development of American political science. Today, Tocqueville is considered one of the most important thinkers in the history of democracy.

The Art of Democratic Statesmanship

Tocqueville believed that democracy was a difficult form of government to master. He argued that it required a high level of civic virtue from its citizens. Civic virtue is the willingness to put the interests of the community ahead of one's own interests. Tocqueville believed that civic virtue was essential for the success of democracy. Without civic virtue, democracy would degenerate into tyranny.

Tocqueville also believed that democratic statesmanship was a difficult art to master. He argued that democratic leaders must be able to balance the interests of different groups within society. They must also be able to resist the temptation to use their power for personal gain. Tocqueville believed that the best democratic leaders are those who are able to combine idealism with pragmatism.

Tocqueville's Legacy

Tocqueville's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered as a brilliant thinker who made important contributions to the understanding of democracy. However, he is also remembered as a critic of democracy who warned of its potential dangers. Tocqueville's work continues to be debated today, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most important thinkers in the history of political thought.

Additional Resources

* The Library of Congress: Alexis de Tocqueville * Encyclopædia Britannica: Alexis de Tocqueville * Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis De Tocqueville Alexis De Tocqueville And The Art Of Democratic Statesmanship