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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is scientific research being driven in America at the time de Tocqueville is observing American democracy?

2. Compared to the European system, de Tocqueville says the America court system is what?

3. Democratic regimes value what over heroism?

4. De Tocqueville believes that Americans have little means of discussing opinions outside the range of those entertained by whom?

5. When were the first colonies established?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the unusual political power, based on the Constitution, that the American judicial system holds?

2. Americans want to explain everything through human intelligence and leave the rest to be explained by what, according to de Tocqueville?

3. What is one of the drawbacks to de Tocqueville's view of the American approach to literature and poetry?

4. The communities of New England set the foundation of a democratic society based on what?

5. Why, in America, would it be hard for a democratic government to exercise tyrannical authority?

6. In de Tocqueville's observations, what do educated individuals in America read, and how does it relate to their lives?

7. According to de Tocqueville, what are the differences between the American and European press?

8. De Tocqueville believes that political parties are what to democratic societies?

9. On what single principle does democracy, as a political system, rely?

10. What is the definition of a regime?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

De Tocqueville believes that nations today (in his time) will be unable to stop the conditions of man from becoming equal. What support does he provide for this statement? Do the ideas presented in his book support his statement? Why or why not? Use the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

De Tocqueville states that democracy influences human relationships. In what ways does the information and ideas that de Tocqueville presents support or deny this idea? Which side do you agree with and why? Support your answer with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the following ideas as de Tocqueville uses them in his explanation and exploration of democracy:

i. servitude and individuality

ii. despotism and tyranny

iii. oppression and freedom.

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