16 Articles Written by John Heitzenrater

The County Election

By Virtue Prosper: Tocqueville’s Discussion of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Democracy

Tocquville outlines the various advantages and disadvantages of a democratic government in Democracy in America. An advantage is the ability for the people to participate in government, and a disadvantage is the possibility of the tyranny of the majority. Read Article

Written by on December 16th, 2013. Subject: History. Filed in American, about Tocqueville American Democracy in America

American Founding Fathers

Family and the Polis: the Role of Townships in Tocqueville’s Democracy in America

An examination of the significance of early American townships in the development of democracy within the American polis. At the root of Tocqueville’s discussion is the principle of the sovereignty of the people, and how this sovereignty firmly takes place within the local townships of the colonies and spreads out into the state. Read Article

Written by on November 19th, 2013. Subject: History. Filed in American, about Tocqueville American Democracy in America

Alexis de Tocqueville

Toward a New Political Science: Reflections on the Point of Departure in Tocqueville’s Democracy in America

An examination of the "point of departure" for American democracy according to Alexis De Tocqueville. This departure is paramount to his overall examination of the American spirit, particularly the relationship between liberty and equality and the relationship of religion to the advancement of democracy's central tenants and principles. Read Article

Written by on November 8th, 2013. Subject: History. Filed in American, about Tocqueville American Democracy in America