Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Essay Examples on Democracy in America Essay Example

Essay Examples on Democracy in America Paper 1st Essay Sample on Democracy in America Alexis de Tocqueville’s visit to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century prompted his work Democracy in America, in which he expressed the ability to make democracy work. Throughout his travels Tocqueville noted that private interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism. Tocqueville believed that this individualism would soon â€Å"sap the virtue of public life† (395) and create a despotism of selfishness. This growth of despotism would be created by citizens becoming too individualistic, and therefore not bothering to fulfill their civic duties or exercise their freedom. Tocqueville feared that the political order of America would soon become aimed at the satisfaction of individual needs, rather than the greater good of society. Alexis de Tocqueville viewed participation in public affairs, the growth of associations and newspapers, the principle of self-interest properly understood, and religion as the only means by which American democracy could combat the effects of individualism. Given that despots have every interest in keeping people isolated, the individualism resulting from equality makes despotism a great danger to equality. â€Å"Despotism†¦ sees in the separation among men the surest guarantee of its continuance, and it usually makes every effort to keep them separate† (399). Exercising freedom through participation in public affairs is therefore extremely vital because it gives people a personal interest in thinking about others in society. Local self-governments are important because they draw people together, and it is therefore more likely that they will exercise their liberty. 2nd Essay Sample on Democracy in America We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Democracy was a growing idea in the 13 English colonies prior to 1750. Democracy is the government by the people which is exercised either directly or through representatives elected by the people. The idea of self government was still a rising idea amongst the colonies. In America, democracy was carried out to a certain extent prior to 1750. The idea of self government was carried out to different extents by the Southern Colonies, the New England colonies, and the Middle colonies. Atfirst, the southern colonies did not have much of a democracy. These aristocratic colonies prominently followed the governing of the crown. Also, there was no separation of church and state prior to 1750. The dominate Anglican Church controlled the religious and social practices of the southerners and lived by the kings rules. Prior to 1750 the low level of democracy led to a more rigid social class structure. The aristocrats, white men who owned land, were the only people allowed to vote in order to set the laws and standards of the colonies. The furthest extent of democracy prior to 1750 in the south was the House of Burgesses. This legislative branch acted as thefirst representative government in the new world and somewhat guided the colony in their direction with respect to the king of England. New England was a little more moderate towards democracy than the Southern colonies. Thefirst site of a democratic move was shown when the pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact as an agreement to form a government that will submit to the will of the majority. This impacted history because it established a precedent for later state constitutions and self-government.Later on, self-government in New England consisted of a two-house legislative branch and a governor elected by the people and not the King. Also, men who owned land were able to participate in town meetings and discuss the issues brought up by the colony. Essay Examples on Democracy in America Essay Example Essay Examples on Democracy in America Paper 1st Essay Sample on Democracy in America Alexis de Tocqueville’s visit to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century prompted his work Democracy in America, in which he expressed the ability to make democracy work. Throughout his travels Tocqueville noted that private interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism. Tocqueville believed that this individualism would soon â€Å"sap the virtue of public life† (395) and create a despotism of selfishness. This growth of despotism would be created by citizens becoming too individualistic, and therefore not bothering to fulfill their civic duties or exercise their freedom. Tocqueville feared that the political order of America would soon become aimed at the satisfaction of individual needs, rather than the greater good of society. Alexis de Tocqueville viewed participation in public affairs, the growth of associations and newspapers, the principle of self-interest properly understood, and religion as the only means by which American democracy could combat the effects of individualism. Given that despots have every interest in keeping people isolated, the individualism resulting from equality makes despotism a great danger to equality. â€Å"Despotism†¦ sees in the separation among men the surest guarantee of its continuance, and it usually makes every effort to keep them separate† (399). Exercising freedom through participation in public affairs is therefore extremely vital because it gives people a personal interest in thinking about others in society. Local self-governments are important because they draw people together, and it is therefore more likely that they will exercise their liberty. 2nd Essay Sample on Democracy in America We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Democracy in America specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Democracy was a growing idea in the 13 English colonies prior to 1750. Democracy is the government by the people which is exercised either directly or through representatives elected by the people. The idea of self government was still a rising idea amongst the colonies. In America, democracy was carried out to a certain extent prior to 1750. The idea of self government was carried out to different extents by the Southern Colonies, the New England colonies, and the Middle colonies. Atfirst, the southern colonies did not have much of a democracy. These aristocratic colonies prominently followed the governing of the crown. Also, there was no separation of church and state prior to 1750. The dominate Anglican Church controlled the religious and social practices of the southerners and lived by the kings rules. Prior to 1750 the low level of democracy led to a more rigid social class structure. The aristocrats, white men who owned land, were the only people allowed to vote in order to set the laws and standards of the colonies. The furthest extent of democracy prior to 1750 in the south was the House of Burgesses. This legislative branch acted as thefirst representative government in the new world and somewhat guided the colony in their direction with respect to the king of England. New England was a little more moderate towards democracy than the Southern colonies. Thefirst site of a democratic move was shown when the pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact as an agreement to form a government that will submit to the will of the majority. This impacted history because it established a precedent for later state constitutions and self-government.Later on, self-government in New England consisted of a two-house legislative branch and a governor elected by the people and not the King. Also, men who owned land were able to participate in town meetings and discuss the issues brought up by the colony.

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