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

2. According to de Tocqueville, governments typically perish because they lead their country into a state of anarchy or what?

3. What is an essential tool for maintaining liberty?

4. Of what does de Tocqueville state that the United States does not produce a valuable body?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the definition of a regime?

3. After the American Revolutionary war, the government defined, very precisely, the powers that belonged to whom?

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

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

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

7. What, according to the author, are some of the downsides of democracy?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the book, what are the differences between an aristocratic regime and a democratic regime in terms of governance? Which one does de Tocqueville think is more effective at governing and why?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Using examples from the book, what is tyranny, and how does democracy fight it?

(see the answer keys)

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