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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of government does de Tocqueville say is "lurking behind every corner" for most citizens of the United States, assuming democracy failed?

2. What acts as a catalyst for the opinions and desires of the people?

3. The threat of a despotic government is greater in democratic societies because the power of the government is what, according to de Tocqueville?

4. Who is considered a member of the aristocratic class in America?

5. According to de Tocqueville, in contrast to the traditional aristocracy, the American aristocracy has no direct effect on the _______ of its class members.

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the citizens of America see their equality when it comes to work collectively, according to de Tocqueville's observations?

2. Why does the military, even in a democratic society, tend to seek war?

3. How is the division of labor in the industries in the United States divided?

4. What do rising wages for workers mean?

5. What does the lack of rigidity in a family relationship in a democratic society allow the family to do, according to de Tocqueville?

6. Why will democratic governments tend to centralize as they grow?

7. What is one of the problems of equality of conditions?

8. What is at least one thing that led America to develop industry instead of agriculture?

9. According to de Tocqueville, what do citizens of the United States think would replace democracy if democracy failed in America?

10. When the people feel more equal, what are some other side effects?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In de Tocqueville's opinion, what is the problem with letting the majority opinion rule? What are some of its causes, effects, and consequences? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

De Tocqueville believes that democracy counters individualism by ensuring that common good is understood as profiting everyone in the community. In what ways do the structures, people, and ideas de Tocqueville presents in the book affirm that idea? In what ways do they not support the idea? Which is a more convincing argument and why? Support your answers with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

What is liberty? What is equality? How are the two ideas interlinked, and what does that mean for democracy? Please support your answer using examples from the book.

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This section contains 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample