Democracy in America, Volume 1
The work describes the American system of government and society during the early 19th century. It examines the principles of democracy, the role of institutions, and the impact on individual liberty. The text explores the relationship between citizens and their government, the power of public opinion, and the influence of social and economic factors on politics.
By Alexis De Tocqueville · First published 1835 · Genre: Political Science, Sociology, History · 19 chapters · 210,055 words
First lines
Amongst the novel objects that attracted my attention during my stay in the United States, nothing struck me more forcibly than the general equality of conditions. I readily discovered the prodigious influence which this primary fact exercises on the whole course of society, by giving a certain direction to public opinion, and a certain tenor to the laws; by imparting new maxims to the governing powers, and peculiar habits to the governed. I speedily perceived that the influence of this fact extends far beyond the political character and the laws of the country, and that it has no less empire over civil society than over the Government; it creates opinions, engenders sentiments, suggests the ordinary practices of life, and modifies whatever it does not produce.
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Democracy in America, Volume 1 is listed on Textopian as an essay by Alexis De Tocqueville, dated 1835 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Alexis De Tocqueville
- Date: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Travel Literature
- Length: 210,055 words
- Structure: 19 chapters, 2,080 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for Democracy in America, Volume 1 by Alexis De Tocqueville
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Democracy in America, Volume 1?
- How does this essay by Alexis De Tocqueville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Science first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Democracy In America Volume 2 by Alexis De Tocqueville
- Democracy In America Volume 3 by Alexis De Tocqueville
- Democracy In America Volume 4 by Alexis De Tocqueville
- Liberalism by L. T. Hobhouse
- The Republican Party by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Political Science — The book provides an in-depth analysis of the political system and democratic principles in America.
- Sociology — It examines the social structures and cultural aspects of American society.
- History — The work offers historical context and insights into the development of democracy in America.
- Philosophy — The book explores philosophical ideas about democracy and governance.
Tags
Social Commentary · Political Science · Sociology · History · Democracy · American Politics · 19th Century Literature · French Philosophy · Liberalism · Conservatism · Capitalism · Industrialization
Contents
- Introductory Chapter
- Exterior Form of North America
- Origin of the Anglo-Americans
- Social Conditions of the Anglo-Americans
- The Principle of the Sovereignty of the People in America
- Necessity of Examining the Condition of the States
- Judicial Power in the United States
- Political Jurisdiction in the United States
- The Federal Constitution
- Why the People May Strictly be Said to Govern in the United States
- Parties in the United States
- Liberty of the Press in the United States
- Political Associations in the United States
- Government of the Democracy in America
- Advantages American Society Derive from Democracy
- Unlimited Power of Majority, and its Consequences
- Causes Mitigating Tyranny in the United States
- Principal Causes Maintaining the Democratic Republic
- Future Condition of Three Races in the United States