Prof. P. Currah's Core 3 Section
Questions on the Tocqueville readings
Reading:
Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"
1. Which is worse, according to Tocqueville, the tyranny of the majority or the unrestrained liberty of association? Why?
2. What differences does Tocqueville find between the use of the right of association in Europe and in America? What accounts for those differences?
3. Tocqueville writes, "extreme liberty sometimes corrects the abuses of liberty, and ... extreme democracy obviates the dangers of democracy." Explain.
4. How do voluntary associations prevent tyranny from increasing as equality increases?
5. What would produce tyranny? Could democracy produce despotism, according to Tocqueville? How?
6. Does Tocqueville believe the government should intervene in or even take over business affairs? Why or why not?
7. What must aristocratic countries do in the democratic age, according to Tocqueville?
[Announcements] [Readings] [Questions] [Review] [Essays] [Forum]
[Description] [Texts] [Contact Info] [Requirements] [Research Guide] [Writing Guide]