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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 revolutions are generally the result of the people's desire to eliminate what?

2. The tendency of people to implement equality first in the hope that freedom will follow is a what?

3. When compared to women in a traditional aristocratic regime, de Tocqueville says American women are more _________.

4. According to de Tocqueville, too much emphasis on equality leads to what?

5. The separation between the workmen and the owners has created a new aristocracy based on what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two concepts, though linked, should not be confounded?

2. What does the lack of rigidity in a family relationship in a democratic society allow the family to do, according to de Tocqueville?

3. What do rising wages for workers mean?

4. What normally causes a great social revolution?

5. How do the citizens of America see their equality when it comes to work collectively, according to de Tocqueville's observations?

6. in de Tocqueville's observations, how are the masters and workmen connected in America?

7. Why will democratic governments tend to centralize as they grow?

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

9. What is the only great inequality that de Tocqueville sees in American society?

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

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

According to de Tocqueville, power is divided between the federal government and the states. What aspects of American democracy has de Tocqueville shown where this is true? What are some instances that he has shown where this is not true? What effects does this division have on democracy in America? Support your answers with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

De Tocqueville presents many ways in which a democracy can protect itself from abuse. Why does de Tocqueville believe that a democracy will be abused, and what does he suggest as protection from that abuse? Use examples from the book to support your ideas.

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