| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "DEMOCRACY AMERICA": |
|
|
"Democracy in America", 2004.
A review of Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America".
2,276 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how Alexis de Tocqueville's seminal work on democracy, "Democracy in America", has shaped America's self-vision and global theory on democracy since it was released in 1835. It looks at how the first volume of Tocqueville's work, then, dealt extensively with the history and formation of American democracy, especially concerning itself with the details of jurisdictions, applications, and details of the American system of governance. It also examines how, when five years later he revisited his earlier topic, he focused less on the nature of the body of government and more on the nature of the governed and the peculiarities of environment, social structure, and personal mores that allowed democracy to function as it did. It shows how there is a relatively short space between these two works and how most of their central theses and themes are overlapping and indistinguishable. The primary differences between the two are the subject matter (institutions versus populations), the greater degree to which the second develops a thesis rather than merely describing a phenomena, the treatment of aristocracy and equality within America, and the degree to which Tocqueville appears optimistic about the prospects of the nation.
From the Paper
"In both works Tocqueville is largely complementary towards the system. Especially in he first volume, he seems to uphold this model as one of the finest to be followed by the nations of Europe, though he seems skeptical that it could be entirely reproduced in a different environment and social climate. In the second, however, while still praising the system he has a tendency to criticize the citizens of America and their nature. While he sees a number of important moral and religious positives within American culture that are encouraged by their system of government (especially regarding the treatment of women, marriage, and the family), he also seems to embrace an idea of the American people as less intelligent, less prone to works of artistic genius and worth, and generally more bombastic and insufferable than their European counterparts."
| |
|
"Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, 2006.
This paper explains why Americans continue to reflect and quote from Tocqueville's classic book, "Democracy in America," which was written more than 150 years ago and how it's still relevant in today's society.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 67.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores the reasons "Democracy in America" is repeatedly quoted as a commentator on life in America and why numerous politicians reference the book in speeches as well as political and presidential campaigns. The author goes on to explain why candidates and incumbents consequently turn to one of its most perceptive analysts, Tocqueville, as he mixes a gratitude towards democracy with an acknowledgement of its flaws. The book is often considered a major source for anyone who wants to better understand America. The paper also addresses the author's views on democracy, freedom and the role of the government.
From the Paper
"The other danger Tocqueville acknowledged occurred when the people became so fixed in pursuit of material pleasures that they neglected their duties as citizens. "Under this system the citizens quit their state of dependence just long enough to choose their masters and then fall back into it."8 Democracy, then, could lead gently into a benign despotism, although there was no assurance that such a government would remain benign and much evidence to the contrary. In these elections, candidates typically remind the populace that voting is a key obligation as a way to preserve the essence of the democratic process. Candidates gradually begin to realize that the 21st century Tocquevillian America is not necessarily Republican, any more than Tocqueville's 1830s America inevitably voted for the Jacksonian Democrats. (The Whigs, when they escaped the thrall of their New England elites, won elections too, and in the 1990s Bill Clinton has shown that Democrats can win by convincing margins."
| |
|
"Democracy in America", 2007.
A discussion on Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America", on the issue of democracy versus elitism within the United States.
1,516 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper describes how "Democracy in America" discusses the features of American political culture that help balance democracy and elitism in the United States. The paper further discusses how these features include a deep love for equality, even more than liberty or freedom; an absence of tradition; individualism; the pressure to accept majority opinion; and the importance of free association.
From the Paper
"Equality, writes Tocqueville, is a uniquely American concept, and one that American citizens hold especially dear, sometimes even at the expense of liberty: "No novelty in the United States struck me more vividly during my stay there than the equality of conditions. It was easy to see the immense influence of this basic fact on the whole course of society. . . . [I]t creates opinions, gives birth to feelings, suggests customs, and modifies whatever it does not create" (Tocqueville, Democracy in America, p. 9)
"
| |
|
"Democracy in America", 2004.
An analysis of the book "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville.
2,280 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the book "Democracy in America" written by 19th century Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville. The paper examines Tocqueville's views on the American political system. The paper explores what Tocqueville said about the isolation of individuals which results due to self-interest, claiming it could be solved by using religion as an instrument for making alliances among the members which would lead them to make a united effort and activity. The paper claims that this, according to Tocqueville is essential for sustaining democratic forms of government.
From the Paper
"In every era of equality each man looks for his beliefs within his self and in the era of equality men are unconnected of one another, isolated, and frail. (Vol: 2; Section 1: Chapter: 3) In a democratic society, the citizens are extremely defenseless, however the state, that characterize them all and holds them all its clutches, is extremely authoritative. In no other form of administration, citizens are irrelevant as in a democratic country. (Vol: 2; Section 1: Chapter: 12) Alexis de Tocqueville was of the view that increased forms of equality tend to move towards isolation. In case of a democratic nation where all the citizens enjoy equal status, and are observed from a proximal distance from each other, individuals are cocooned within themselves and contend upon evaluating the world from that standpoint."
| |
|
"Democracy in America", 2006.
An analysis of Alec de Tocqueville's book "Democracy in America."
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This book analyzes the book "Democracy in America", which was written in the middle of the nineteenth century by French traveler, Alec de Tocqueville. The author of this paper maintains that de Tocqueville's portrayal of his vision of the character and future of American society was practically prophetic. The paper reviews within a modern context de Tocquevill's references to the entrenched materialism and commercialism; class conflict; separate spheres for men and women; and of a confusion between freedom and equality. The paper illustrates how most of de Tocqueville's observations and analyses of the United States remain relevant today, more than a hundred years later.
From the Paper
"For instance, in Chapter One of the second book of Democracy in America, the author states, "...equality, pushed to its furthest extent, may be confounded with freedom, yet there is good reason for distinguishing the one from the other. The taste which men have for liberty and that which they feel for equality are, in fact, two different things," (para. 5). The difference between liberty and equality, which is rarely vocalized as bluntly as it is in de Tocqueville's work, has been one of the underlying themes running throughout the course of American history. Whether class conflict, racial division, or gender role differentiation, American society has fulfilled de Tocqueville's image: "for equality their passion is ardent, insatiable, incessant, invincible; they call for equality in freedom; and if they cannot obtain that, they still call for equality in slavery." Similarly, de Tocqueville summed up the nature of American materialism: "The heart of man is of a larger mold; it can at once comprise a taste for the possessions of earth and the love of those of heaven; at times it may seem to cling devotedly to the one, but it will never be long without thinking of the other," (Book 2, Ch. 15). Regarding most matters of American society and ideology such as gender and race relations; class conflict; political climate; and material culture, de Tocqueville hits the nail on the head; only a few of De Tocqueville's observations were off the mark."
| |
|
"Democracy in America", 2002.
A study of freedom and democracy using Tocqueville's "Democracy in America".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This essay explores the interrelation of the concepts of equality, freedom and democracy in history as portrayed in Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America".
| |
|
Religious Freedom and Democracy in America, 2007.
An analysis of whether the ideals of religious freedom and democracy that America was created on, are in fact, a reality today.
2,867 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the theory of religious freedom and democracy in the United States and analyzes whether the country has lived up to the ideals that it was created with. The paper suggests that religious freedom and democracy in America today are more imperiled than they have ever been in the nearly four hundred years of the land's history and it discusses some of the issues that are affecting the ideals of the country.
From the Paper
"The interplay of individuals, each helping his or her fellow to achieve his dreams - with Divine Aid - that is so clearly depicted in A Prayer for Owen Meany is disturbingly absent from Rothko's work. Instead, it is the entrepreneur's America, a place in which the science that provided the know-how for invention and wealth has taken over our lives and reduced them to mere blocks of drab color. It is the industrial wasteland of the brooding Industrial Age philosopher, the deep thinker who has witnessed the carnage of two world wars, and America's battle to preserve its ideals in a world of violent ideologies and rampant technology."
| |
|
Road to Democracy in Latin America, 2007.
An examination of the factors contributing to the less-than-ideal state of democracy in Latin America.
3,090 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 90.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the bumpy road to democracy in Latin America. It explains how, in a region with a long history of autocratic rule, democracy is a relatively new concept and must prove to be more favorable than authoritarian rule. The paper concludes that, because of the effects of transition and international intervention legacies, full democracy has not been meaningfully incorporated into Latin American political culture.
From the Paper
"For the past three decades, Latin America has experienced a steady wave of democratization. While most countries in the region are currently considered democratic, they continue to be plagued with economic instability, violations of human rights and government corruption. Latin American leaders are generally chosen by free elections, but elections alone do not constitute a full democracy. A fully democratic government must be able to protect their civilians' basic rights and meet the demands of the popular will. The less-than-ideal quality of present-day Latin American democracy can be attributed to the manner in which democratic regimes assumed power, the role of international influences and the actual performance of democratic governments."
| |
|
Advancing Democracy in Latin America through the Church, 2005.
A look at the state of democracy in Latin America and how the Church can help promote democracy there.
3,381 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper assesses the current state of democracy in Latin America as well as the cultural, political, social, and economic standing of the Catholic Church so as to understand the role it can play in the promotion of the global interests of the United States of America. The paper also briefly reviews the various religious factions emerging in the region and discusses the potential barriers that may arise should the Catholic Church be used to promote American interests throughout the Latin American countries.
From the Paper
"It is not surprising to note that many scholars in Latin America have emphasized an increased role of the government in maintaining business and cultural ethics along with the growth and development of the economy. This is because the entire Latin America is moving towards free market economy and it is critical to conduct businesses in an ethical manner. Furthermore, many scholars have asserted that it has been extremely difficult to intervene in the social, economic as well as political matters of the state and the scholars blame the principals of neo-liberalism for the inflexibility (Thomas, 2002)."
| |
|
"Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, 2004.
This paper discusses "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, which focuses on America's socio-political landscape during the early 19th century.
1,085 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 37.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the most essential discussion in de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" establishes that the country's culture determines the "practical philosophy" of American politics, as well as the establishment of a more egalitarian than libertarian society. The author points out that the social conditions of governing American politics are based on gender, religion, and even the dichotomy and differences that de Tocqueville raises between the Americans and Europeans. The paper relates that de Tocqueville's thesis posits that people or Americans govern the country, and this socio-political order has both advantages and disadvantages that result in the development of a government that is called "the tyranny of the majority."
From the Paper
"Social institutions are also an important force that forms the core of American politics. With stronger power and influence in politics, social institutions and groups in America have the authority to determine whose power will become dominant in the country. By studying the role that the mass media, particularly the press institution, plays in enforcing the authority of the majority in American politics, Tocqueville argues that in a country where mass media is a powerful institution affecting public opinion, "Means must then be found to converse every day without seeing one another, and to take steps in common without having met. Thus hardly any democratic association can do without newspapers." These, in general, are the forces that determine the nature of American politics as determined by Tocqueville in "Democracy in America"."
| |
|
America - A Beacon for Democracy, 2001.
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the idea that America is a "beacon for democracy."
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, $ 38.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper provides an American-centered look at the issue of democracy and how the United States has influenced other democracies in the world. It compares the United States to other "pure" and "impure" democracies" and draws on the recent September 11th attacks to show how America epitomises this political state.
From the paper:
"Democracy is defined as the "free and equal representation of people: the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the people" . Ever since King George tried to tax the colonies without allowing them a voice in the English political scene, Americans have fought mightily for their freedom, and for the ability to govern themselves. In doing so, they have also become a "beacon for democracy" around the world. Why? Because America's democratic system, although flawed, still works."
| |
|
Democracy and Inequality in Latin America, 2002.
A look at whether democracy is possible in Latin America.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 89.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses whether or not democracy really exists, or is even possible, in Latin America in light of the acute social, political, and economic inequalities and institutional weaknesses that characterize most of the region. The paper discusses the main problem of inequality existing along economic, racial, gender, and regional lines. Because of this reality, economic growth and "free elections" do not necessarily translate into democracy for the average Latin American citizen.
| |
|
Democracy and Economic Development in Central America, 2002.
This research paper discusses the Central American nations and the current economic and political conditions impacting prospects for improving their economies and achieving or maintaining democratic reform initiatives into the new century.
2,265 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The following paper discusses the historical facts pertaining to the economic development of Central America. It also examines the unfolding of events and regional and global environmental factors and provides a qualitative analysis to support the central thesis that forward movement can be sustained.
From the Paper
"Central America is an area undergoing a huge transformation as it enters the 21st century, integrating the economic social, political and cultural changes associated with its goal of incorporation into the global economy and international political society. The old authoritarian regimes have crumbled through transitions to democratic government, and leftist movements of the 1980s have been defeated or transformed. Political and economic changes are apparent throughout in Central America. Facilitated by the proactive opening to the global economy and export-led development (ELD) strategy, maquiladora production (particularly of garments), tourism, nontraditional agricultural exports, and money sent home from emigrant workers have risen dramatically in importance, changing the society and economy of the region from a traditional agricultural base to include and embrace the channels of global production and distribution. This has caused the emphasis to shift from farming, cottage industries of artisans, regionally-focused small industry, and other traditional classes to the new economic activities, creating new urban and rural working classes, and a new class of labor (Robinson, 1998)."
| |
|
"Democracy's Discontent" vs. "Democracy in America", 2003.
A comparison of Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" and Michael J. Sandel's "Democracy's Discontent".
3,845 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how Alexis de Tocqueville in "Democracy in America" and Michael J. Sandel in "Democracy's Discontent" both address issues of democracy, freedom, the role of government, and the good citizen. It looks at how their viewpoints differ because they write at different times of history. De Tocqueville writes at a time when democracy is a novel ideal. Aristocracy has been the main form of government, and this, therefore, plays a major role in his writing. Sandel, on the other hand, deals with contemporary issues such as the global community and the implications of new technology and diminishing boundaries among people.
From the Paper
"De Tocqueville stresses the importance of civil equality in the achievement of true democracy. This equality implies the lack of divisions and barriers between social classes. This is the equality that he sees in American culture as opposed to European culture that still subscribes to the aristocratic means of government. The democratic ideal implies more freedom than would be possible with an aristocratic government: "Let us suppose that all the people take a part in the government, and that each one of them has an equal right to take a part in it. As no one is different from his fellows, none can exercise a tyrannical power; men will be perfectly free because they are all entirely equal..."(De Tocqueville, Book II, Chapter I)."
| |
|
A Comparison of Modern Democracy and Classical Athenian Democracy, 2002.
Compares modern constitutional democracies and the democracy of classical Athens.
914 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Discusses the major differences between Athenian democracy and modern democracy. Differences include voting and citizenship rights, gender and background bias in the Athenian social and economic system, the type of representation that each society offered and the 'participation factor' in Athens.
From the Paper
"There are several significant differences between modern constitutional democracies and the democracy of classical Athens. Even though the classical Athenian democracy was a major step forward in political thought, at its height there were still many areas in which it was decidedly unlike any democracy existing today. These differences fall into three major categories: differences in who could vote, in the type of representation, and in the overall participation factor.
One major and clearly recognizable difference is that in the Athenian democracy there was only a certain selected element of the population that was allowed to vote. This difference in voting behavior stems from the fact that the Athenian social and economic system was supportive of the suppression of groups of people according to gender and background in ways that are not acceptable in today's western cultures.
For example, women were not given full rights of citizenship. They were also socially and economically kept in a subservient role to men. Women's function was seen as primarily that of propagation and managing a household. Women were not allowed access to the marketplace of ideas that was so important to the Athenians.
These conditions set up an interactive cycle between the social and political institutions; since women were regarded as inferior and not deserving of full citizenship, they were not allowed to vote. However, without the ability to vote, it was very unlikely that any of these restrictions would be modified or lifted. The role of women in Greek society was too firmly entrenched to be easily changed."
|
|
|
