What is the true definition of democracy in America? Many observers interpret this poem in almost nationalistic terms. For some, it is a grand ode to the United States, a lavish hymn to its burgeoning global authority. Others see it as a celebration of 19th-century greatness and a call to future global dominance. Whatever the precise meaning of this poem, there is no denying its appeal. Whether it is a celebration of the country’s past or its future, it is a thorn in the side of modernity.
The enduring legacy of Democracy in America is that it has shaped a new era in human history. Tocqueville understood democracy as a mutable process and viewed its dynamic energy as the twin of contingency. Despite the book’s complexity, the reader can expect a thorough understanding of the democratic process, and a new appreciation of democracy and its meaning for humankind. While Tocqueville’s observations were not perfect, his book is a remarkable work of literary history.
A fundamental principle of democracy in America is that its political institutions are providential. While men and women are equal in their capacities, the state is no better than their people. Ultimately, democracy is not a perfect system. As such, it cannot guarantee universal happiness. But it is the most important aspect of American life. People have to be able to vote freely in order to keep their country free. And in the United States, that means voting, or else they will lose the right to become president.
Tocqueville was a Frenchman who spent nine months in the United States in the 1830s. His observations led him to write Marie, or Slavery in America. His Democracy in America was a culmination of his observations and analyses of American society. He was particularly impressed with the role of religious freedom of association in American society. It also prompted him to study penal reform in the United States. The result is a democratic society that is a far cry from the primitive one.
The American president has some influence over state affairs but does not conduct them. The mass of people has preponderant power. The president’s power depends on the political maxims of the nation. Because of this, the American elective system is not prejudicial to fixed principles of government. It is also visible in the limited scope of the President’s power. With these differences, democracy in America is not without its flaws. So what are the fundamental principles of democracy?
In this section, the effects of democracy on the feelings of Americans are discussed. Among the Democratic Nations, equality and freedom are more valued than liberty. In America, however, individualism is strong. Americans counteract this tendency by using free institutions, public associations, and self-interest. The latter is applied even to matters of religion. However, the latter tends to divide Americans into narrow circles. And because the latter is a fundamental principle of democracy, this is a necessary condition for good morals.