Political Thinking POL 161

1. Political ThinkingPOL 161 D&B 38-52

2. Alexis de Tocqueville - Democracy in America • Tocqueville was a French aristocrat that traveled the US in the early 1830’s • When he returned to France he wrote about his experiences in a 2 volume work titled Democracy in America • Saw democracy as an irresistible force, and felt that it was basically a good thing • He also warned that democracy promotes mediocrity • It promotes mediocrity because it celebrates equality • When everyone is equal there will be pressures to conform • Called this pressure to conform “the tyranny of the majority”

3. Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America • Common people are easily swayed by strong leaders who mislead the masses leading to tyranny or despotism • An aristocracy would help prevent this because a class of people with elevated property and privileges will protect against this • Once democracy and equality overcome the aristocracy there is nothing to stop despotism from destroying liberty

4. Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America • Tocqueville did see a positive in democracy • One that joined republicanism to the democratic ideal • He felt civic virtue could be promoted through participation • When neighbors begin to work together to solve problems they get attached to their community • This then allows the individuals to think about community before themselves • This massive participation could lead to a deep rooted devotion to the common good • Tocqueville specifically loved New England Town Hall meetings and shared responsibility of jury duty

5. Democratic Participation and Political Education- J.S. Mill • In 19th century England, the discussion favoring democracy centered on two concerns • Self-protection • Self-development • The “philosophical radicals” know as the Utilitarian's, the duty of the government is “to promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number” • They figured the best way to do this was through a representative democracy • This will have elected men that will look out for citizens best interests

6. Democratic Participation and Political Education- J.S. Mill • Mill feels that political participation is valuable because it allows for self-development • Like Tocqueville, Mill feels democracy strengthens the virtue of common people • For Mill it is political participation not merely voting for representatives that will educate and improve people • This will teach them discipline, sharpen their intelligence, and shape their morality

7. Democratic Participation and Political Education- J.S. Mill • Pg. 52 (Still more salutatory…He is made to feel himself one of the public, and whatever is for their benefit to be for his benefit.) • This quote shows the gradual extension of the democratic franchise in the last 150 years. • The right to vote for all males was not accomplished until 1885 in Britain • The US did not see the vote extend to all citizens until the passing of the 19th amendment • Switzerland, the world’s oldest democracy did not grant women the right to vote until 1971

8. Democratic Participation and Political Education- J.S. Mill • As late as the 1960’s blacks in the US saw huge obstacles to voting such as poll taxes and literacy tests • Are we over this obstacle, have we achieved full democratic participation? • All and all almost everyone in the so –called Western democracies accepts democracy as the best from of government • But those countries that are not democratic claim it is the worst kind of evil • Do you agree?

9. The Democratic Ideal Review • Democracy is now so popular that most ideologies claim to favor it • However they all interpret the word differently and tend to compete with others • Democracy is not a single thing, as our brief history makes painstakingly clear • Democracy is a lot like “true love”, most all desire it, and it is definitely defined differently by each person • We all agree that democracy is “rule by the people” but exactly what that means is vague • Who are people? Common people? Land Owners? Adult Males? Everyone? Felons?

10. The Democratic Ideal Review • How are they to rule? • Direct? Indirect? • If others vote for you do you cease to govern yourself? • Should we follow majority rule? • How then do you protect minority rights when they offend the majority? • If we limit majority rule, are we retreating from democracy? • Term limits- are these good? • Do they actually help make the government responsive to the people? • Do they make America less democratic because we are not allowed to vote for those representatives we like, time and again?

11. The Democratic Ideal Review • Sick of questions yet? (wow, that was a question too!) • The obvious point is that we even in this class, much like our government have multiple answers to these questions • Do all these questions prove how unstable democracy is? • This is generally the reason that the United States is a republic • Which one do you think cares more power with the American people? • This is why we have created our hybrid of Democratic Republicanism

12. The Democratic Ideal Review • Democracy does remain attractive because of its connection to freedom and equality • Does it imply that everyone will be free and equal to each other?