Democracy in America

Tocqueville argues that despotism sees any coherent action between people as a threat. This is for purely practical reasons: “a despot readily pardons the governed for not loving him, provided that they do not love each other” (485). The antidote to individualism—which also supports despotism—is “cooperation” and participation in politics (486). This remedy is in operation in American political life, thanks to federalism and local government. These traditions, Tocqueville argues, “multiply infinitely the occasions for citizens to act together and to make them feel every day that they depend on one another” (487). Americans constantly work for the “common prosperity” because they live and practice politics in proximity to their neighbors. American political institutions remind each citizen that “he lives in a society” (488). For Tocqueville, “to combat the evils that equality can produce there is only one efficacious remedy: it is political freedom” (488).

Americans also “constantly unite” to carry out civic causes, like building schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure (489). This takes the place of aristocratic action. Tocqueville argues that this function cannot be fulfilled by government, as this would result in “tyranny” and a squashing of individual initiative (492). Tocqueville notes that while he first found the anti-alcohol temperance movement confusing, he now sees that it is similar to projects aristocrats used to undertake to inspire peasants.