View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The tendency of Americans to behave differently towards outsiders is sometimes known as what?

2. What does de Tocqueville believe plays an important role in the process of protecting the freedom of men by increasing their interdependence?

3. In America, what type of rank cannot be distinguished immediately?

4. American people get richer through peaceful trading and manufacturing instead of what?

5. According to de Tocqueville, what drives the actions of every American man?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does the military, even in a democratic society, tend to seek war?

3. When the people feel more equal, what are some other side effects?

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

5. According to de Tocqueville, how do political associations combat individualism and egoism?

6. How is the division of labor in the industries in the United States divided?

7. What normally causes a great social revolution?

8. As men seeking equality become more alike, what is one possibility for a type of tyrannical regime in a democratic society, according to de Tocqueville?

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

10. What is at least one difference between the family in a democratic society and in an aristocratic society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is de Tocqueville writing this book, and for whom is he writing the book? Of what is he trying to convince his audience? Support your answer with examples from the book.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 612 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample