Is Democracy an Antidote to Revolution for Tocqueville - Essay Example

The basic premise of democracy is that it fosters the changing of administrations without, or the least bloodshed. It accounts for the freedom of thepeople to vote through elections whoever they see best suits being their leader, thus, democracy has become synonymous with the word and how we perceive it today. As is often said, democracy provides for the citizens of a nation to be able to express themselves through elections, not always attaining what they want but obtaining what they as a people deserve. Revolution is something that should not be defined in such a way that we only perceive as something that is violent in nature. The difference between the revolution in France and the American Revolution marks its way in the book “Democracy in America” that Alexis De Tocqueville has written has written as a commentary about the young nation of migrants with its hodgepodge of races and people but was still able to harmonize and assimilate democracy through its definite leadership and concrete adherence to the ideals unlike the monarchical affinities that was still common in Europe. Though he did not hold a mastery of politics, De Tocqueville embarked on an elaboration of his conceived notions of America in his study during his sojourn in the country. Europe and the New World A comparison of the continent of Europe in the early 17th century manifests where supreme monarchy is omnipresent and victorious over the oligarch and feudal freedom during the Middle Ages. The concept of right was blemished in the grandeur of Europe, there were few activities of political nature, no idea of liberty expressed openly, in which time these principles were already proclaimed in the land known as the New World where it is openly accepted and viewed as the future of the nation. These intrepid theories of human nature and of intellectual reason were then practiced by a community modest in its application by the statesmen in charged of its proliferation (De Tocqueville, p.60). The principles which have become the basis of today’s constitutions that used to be unknown in Europe and were unsuccessful in Great Britain during this time were already recognized in America. Among these are; the capability of the citizens to intervene in matters concerning the public, the autonomy in the election of taxes, the innate responsibility of those delegated with power, personal liberty, jury trials, etc. that were already in discussion in the New World. These principles which are seen vastly today are the positive consequences resulting from the applications from which America different from the continent which once overruled it as a mere colony has adapted (De Tocueville, p. 58). As today’s primary superpower, it is amazing to note that the United States was rapid in the acquisition of already distinguished notions of democracy as it was exemplified in civilizations pre-existent to it. The more noteworthy of this is the almost sinuous execution that it has taken form in a country that used to be a settlement. The sheer integrity in the way that its leaders have exhibited makes it no wonder why it is in the state of prosperity it is currently reaping today. In its comparative infantile years of existence as a veritable country in relation to the other European countries rich with their centuries of history and magnificent culture, America cannot be disregarded for the characteristics unique in this nation. America and its Democratic Revolution De Tocqueville made mention of a great definition of freedom as what is the main focus of the book, “There is a liberty of a corrupt nature which is effected both by men and beasts to do what they list, and this liberty is inconsistent with authority, impatient of all restraint; by this liberty ‘sumus omnes deteriores’: ’tis the grand enemy of truth and peace, and all the ordinances of God are bent against it. But there is a civil, a moral, a federal liberty which is the proper end and object of authority; it is a liberty for that only which is just and good: for this liberty you are to stand with the hazard of your very lives and whatsoever crosses it is not authority, but a distemper thereof” (p. 61). Sovereignty is viewed differently in America, it is not a minor principle which can only be seen in paper but rather holds the utmost importance for its people. When the American Revolution set forth and its principle of sovereignty of the people was conceived, it was cultivated in the small towns and municipalities which later on took over the State. All joined in its cause as battles were waged and triumph was achieved and laws were established. There was then an overhaul within the society. In the dawn of its victory, the cause for democracy was seen and heard as the ultimate cause of the revolution. The winning of democracy and its consequent laws expelled the personal interests of those who were clinging into power. It hastened the change towards a ‘democratic impulse’ in a nation where aristocracy used to have the strongest grip (De Tocqueville, pp.74-75). “The revolution of the United States was the result of a mature and dignified taste for freedom, and not of a vague or ill-defined craving for independence,” (De Tocqueville, p.88). The revolution in essence was not the main catalyst for democracy, it was a means which provided for it but what happened in America is something that is infrequent. The aristocracy was superseded by the implementation for the need for civil liberties as provided for within the context of the laws promulgated by the statesmen for the people. It was inspiring in that it became almost inconceivable at first that the monarchy and the higher classes of the society did not forever linger as the main powers ruling over the country. Democracy in all of its advantages would remain a mere concept if it was simply envisaged by the people who long to employ it for its politics. For democracy to be realized, it must not be founded on despotism and not on a puerile want for change. There are to say the least, certain peculiarities which made America demonstrative of discernible greatness compared to its other counterparts. Including how it has applied democracy to its most thriving degree and as among the first in its almost full realization. The great men who have earmarked the history books as leaders of the free world makes it compelling for today’s American leaders and the future movers of the country to attempt to recreate, maintain and re-establish the glory that they have seared in the world through their significant contribution. Democracy is not simply a notion, and the idea of a world of liberty is something that is not only American. Works Cited De Tocqueville, Alexis . Democracy in America Volumes One and Two. Trans. Henry Reeve. , PA: Pennsylvania State University, 2002. Read More