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

2. De Tocqueville believes that educated Americans read what type of literature?

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

4. Democratic regimes will value general well-being over what?

5. Where were the first colonies established?

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. Although religion remains out of the realm of politics according to de Tocqueville's observations, what political effect does religion have?

3. De Tocqueville believes that religion provides what to Americans?

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

What are some of the historical influences that have shaped American democracy as de Tocqueville explains it? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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