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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. De Tocqueville believes that the democratic writer has less to write about, but the writings are ________, when compared to aristocratic writings.
(a) Of greater importance.
(b) Of greater need.
(c) Of greater volume.
(d) Of greater subjects.

2. A democracy will not purposely legislate against the good of its what?
(a) Minority.
(b) Majority.
(c) Voters.
(d) People.

3. What kind of impact does the American press have on its people?
(a) Medium.
(b) Huge.
(c) Small.
(d) Large.

4. Instead of being driven by man, events--according to a democratic writer--are driven by what?
(a) Fate or sheer necessity.
(b) Providence or sheer necessity.
(c) Fate or irresistable forces.
(d) Providence or irresistible forces.

5. American literature is made up of the two extremes of what, according to de Tocqueville?
(a) The world.
(b) Passion.
(c) Reality.
(d) Imagination.

6. When American writers exaggerate the importance of a subject, de Tocqueville says it gets lost in what?
(a) The world.
(b) Space.
(c) Oblivion.
(d) The clouds.

7. What is one of the best safeguards against potential tyranny of the majority in America?
(a) The judicial system.
(b) The press.
(c) The balance of power.
(d) The media.

8. Aristocratic regimes in Europe put the wealth into the hands of whom?
(a) The monarch.
(b) The few.
(c) The ennobled.
(d) The many.

9. By excluding minorities from power, what does de Tocqueville believe will happen?
(a) The minority will revolt against the majority.
(b) The foundations of the Constitution will be violated.
(c) A new type of democratic rule will emerge.
(d) The foundation of democracy will be endangered.

10. De Tocqueville observed that Americans like to explain everything as a result of human what?
(a) Pride.
(b) Innovation.
(c) Intelligence.
(d) Bravery.

11. After what event was the sovereignty of the people codified in law?
(a) American Revolution.
(b) Civil War.
(c) Declaration of Independence.
(d) Boston Tea Party.

12. In times of peace, what has more power than the President?
(a) Legislature.
(b) Senate.
(c) Judiciary.
(d) Executive branch.

13. In a democracy, people take a special interest in the affairs of the state in order to do what?
(a) Participate in the political process.
(b) Obtain a political position.
(c) Participate in power and its outcomes.
(d) Be one of the people in power.

14. Because of the generally accepted principle of equality among Americans, according to de Tocqueville they are less likely to accept what?
(a) Historical logic.
(b) Historical evidence.
(c) Traditional reasoning.
(d) Traditional ideas.

15. What is an essential tool for maintaining liberty?
(a) Freedom of the press.
(b) Freedom of religion.
(c) Protection of the press.
(d) Protection of the First Amendment.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long did de Tocqueville stay in the united States?

2. Democratic regimes value prosperity over what?

3. Religion and politics do what, in American life?

4. In a monarchy, what is as volatile as the perceived superiority of the state?

5. What type of person does de Tocqueville say the American writer sees himself as?

(see the answer keys)

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