89 pages • 2 hours read
Alexis de TocquevilleDemocracy in America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1835A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Volume 1, Part 1, Introduction
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 1-2
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 3-4
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 5
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 6-7
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 8
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 1-2
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 3-4
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 5
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 6
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 7
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 8
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 9-10
Volume 2, Notice
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 1-2
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 3-5
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 6-8
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 9-10
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 11-12
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 13-15
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 16-19
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 20-21
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 1-3
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 4-7
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 8-12
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 13-17
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 18-20
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 1-4
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 5-7
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 8-12
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 13-16
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 17-20
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 21-26
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 1-3
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 4-6
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 7-8
Key Figures
Themes
Index of Terms
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
BetaEssay Topics
Describe how Tocqueville is particularly positive about the political culture of New England. Given his concerns about the tyranny of the majority, why do you think he is so enthusiastic about town meetings and local government?
How does Tocqueville argue that law, lawyers, and jury service are beneficial to American democracy, particularly as an antidote to the tyranny of the majority?
What arguments does Tocqueville offer for why the United States will endure despite regional rivalries and differences?
In what ways is Tocqueville’s admiration for the United States also an admiration for English laws, norms, and political traditions?
Describe Tocqueville’s views of revolutions. What forms of instability do they give rise to, and how are they less stable than developed democracy?
How is Tocqueville critical of American culture and its modes of thinking, especially its analytical capacity?
How is Tocqueville critical of the American pursuit of material success? In what ways is it beneficial?
How does Tocqueville argue that religion and religious faith are supportive of democracy?
In what ways is Tocqueville critical of North American colonization? How does his analysis rely on racial stereotypes and accept American conquest as inevitable?
How does American geography shape its political culture, including gender roles and political institutions?
Related Titles
By Alexis de Tocqueville
Featured Collections
American Literature
View Collection
Audio Study Guides
View Collection
Books on U.S. History
View Collection
French Literature
View Collection
Philosophy, Logic, & Ethics
View Collection
Political Science Texts
View Collection
Politics & Government
View Collection
Sociology
View Collection