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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. Religion and the constant drive for ___________ are the main barriers to the development of independent arts and science in the United States, according to de Tocqueville.

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

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

4. When can a judge refuse to enforce a law?

5. Judges are accountable to what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Americans want to explain everything through human intelligence and leave the rest to be explained by what, according to de Tocqueville?

2. What does equality among the people trigger, in addition to innovation, according to de Tocqueville?

3. According to the author, what is the reason free people obey laws?

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

5. Before the American Revolution, what were the two great political parties in the United States and what were their aims?

6. 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?

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. On what single principle does democracy, as a political system, rely?

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

10. What is the definition of a regime?

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

Compare and contrast the following ideas as de Tocqueville uses them in his explanation and exploration of democracy:

i. servitude and individuality

ii. despotism and tyranny

iii. oppression and freedom.

Essay Topic 3

What is de Tocqueville's definition of religion? What role does religion play in politics, specifically in a democracy? Support your answer with examples and ideas from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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