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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what does de Tocqueville say American writers find poetry?
(a) The mundane.
(b) The nation.
(c) Intellect.
(d) Passion.

2. How is scientific research being driven in America at the time de Tocqueville is observing American democracy?
(a) Instant profits are driving scientific research.
(b) Instant gratification is driving material research.
(c) Industrial purposes are driving scientific research.
(d) Geniuses are driving scientific research.

3. The democratic writer assumes that man is what?
(a) Logical.
(b) Thinking.
(c) Powerful.
(d) Powerless.

4. In de Tocqueville's observations, aristocratic societies make countless _____________ available between man and God.
(a) Intermediaries.
(b) Forces.
(c) Methods of communication.
(d) Sources.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In a monarchic regime, political positions and the bulk of the wealth are reserved for whom?

2. Power is divided between what two entities in the United States?

3. Freedom of the press is described as what type of weapon?

4. De Tocqueville believes that Americans have little means of discussing opinions outside the range of those entertained by whom?

5. Compared to the European system, de Tocqueville says the America court system is what?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to de Tocqueville, in a democracy, the people take special interest in the affairs of the government for what reason?

2. Where does the American writer find poetry, according to de Tocqueville's observations?

3. De Tocqueville believes that, under a monarchic regime, patriotism is expressed by the pride of the people in what?

4. According to de Tocqueville, although the democratic writer might have less to write about, what is the level of importance of what he writes about?

5. Why, according to de Tocqueville, does the American writer write?

6. Why, in America, would it be hard for a democratic government to exercise tyrannical authority?

7. What did the government establish in order to maintain the balance of power between the Confederation and the states when the rights of the states were questioned?

8. What are some of the suggestions that equality makes to the beliefs of the American people?

9. What laws prevailed as the basis of the developing democratic society in the United States?

10. What does de Tocqueville believe is the logic that is followed when people adopt the authority of the majority?

(see the answer keys)

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