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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. De Tocqueville believes that revolutions are generally the result of the people's desire to eliminate what?
(a) Restraints on liberty.
(b) Restraints on freedom.
(c) Excesses of the governing class.
(d) Inequalities.

2. What does de Tocqueville say American workers constantly struggle with their masters for?
(a) Better job transferability.
(b) More skill training.
(c) Higher wages.
(d) More freedom.

3. De Tocqueville believes that it depends on the individual whether equality leads them to knowledge or _______________.
(a) Solitude.
(b) Ignorance.
(c) Boredom.
(d) Barbarism.

4. According to de Tocqueville, when men seek more equality and comfort, what do they tend to become?
(a) More tyrannical.
(b) More alike.
(c) More despotic.
(d) More different.

5. What does de Tocqueville see as the primary danger of democracy?
(a) Lack of community in a democracy.
(b) Freedom of expression.
(c) Democratic freedom.
(d) Democratic despotism.

Short Answer Questions

1. The desire for immediate gratification led the people of America to what?

2. What is one of the checks and balances on the executive branch to prevent it from becoming despotic?

3. The very poor and very rich are in what group in America?

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

5. What does de Tocqueville define as a state of mental ease akin to physical and mental numbness?

Short Essay Questions

1. in de Tocqueville's observations, how are the masters and workmen connected in America?

2. What two concepts, though linked, should not be confounded?

3. In de Tocqueville's beliefs, how does too much emphasis on equality lead to tyrannical power?

4. What is one of the civil effects of the American society?

5. Why are democratic societies less likely to wage war?

6. In what situation would total equality of the people's condition be possible?

7. According to de Tocqueville, what political instinct have the American people developed that will counter their natural tendency towards equality?

8. What is the only great inequality that de Tocqueville sees in American society?

9. In a real world, do democracies value equality or liberty more?

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

(see the answer keys)

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