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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. How is scientific research being driven in America at the time de Tocqueville is observing American democracy?

2. According to de Tocqueville, in Europe men obey what?

3. A democracy will not purposely legislate against the good of its what?

4. American literature is made up of the two extremes of what, according to de Tocqueville?

5. In times of peace, what has more power than the President?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does de Tocqueville believe that freedom of opinion is practically non-existent in the United States?

4. According to de Tocqueville, what are the differences between the American and European press?

5. What is the unusual political power, based on the Constitution, that the American judicial system holds?

6. In de Tocqueville's observations, what do educated individuals in America read, and how does it relate to their lives?

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

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

9. What does de Tocqueville analyze in his book?

10. What is one of the drawbacks to de Tocqueville's view of the American approach to literature and poetry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the book, where does authority originate from in America as opposed to in an aristocratic regimen? How does this influence the structure and behavior of a democracy as compared to an aristocracy?

Essay Topic 2

What is de Tocqueville's definition of a lawyer? How does a lawyer work to help secure a democracy, in de Tocqueville's view? Does the same definition and purpose apply to lawyers today? Why or why not? Cite examples from the book and present day to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

What is the definition that de Tocqueville uses for freedom of the press? Using examples from the book, what role does freedom of the press have in a democracy? What role does it have in American democracy?

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