Democracy in America (1838): Translated by Henry Reeve, Esq. With an Original Preface and Notes by John C. Spencer

by Alexis de Tocqueville, Henry Reeve (Translator), Henry Reeve

Overview

The first English-language edition published in 1838 and translated by Henry Reeve, Esq. with Preface and notes by John C. Spencer. This landmark work initiated a dialogue about the nature of democracy and the United States and its people that continues to this day. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville [1805-1859] and Gustave de Beaumont [fl.1835] traveled through the United States on behalf of the French government to study American prisons, which were renowned for their progressive and humane methods. They were pleased to accept this assignment because they were intrigued by the idea of American democracy. Tocqueville and Beaumont spent nine months in the country, traveling as far west as Michigan and as far south as New Orleans. Throughout the tour, Tocqueville used his social connections to arrange meetings with several prominent and influential thinkers of the day. Tocqueville recorded his thoughts on the structure of the government and the judicial system, and commented on everyday people and the nation’s political culture and social institutions. His observations on slavery, in particular, are impassioned and critical. These notes formed the basis of Democracy in America.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584772491
Publisher:	The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.
Publication date:	07/30/2019
Edition description:	FAC
Pages:	500
Sales rank:	712,367
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.25(d)

Table of Contents

Preface by the American Editor.

Introduction.

I. The Exterior Form of North America

II. Origin of the Anglo-Americans, and the Importance of this Origin in Relation to their Future Condition.

III. Social Condition of the Anglo-Americans.

IV. The Principle of the Sovereignty of the People of North America.

V. Necessity of Examining the Condition of the States Before that of the Union at Large.

VI. Judicial Power in the United States and its Influence on Political Society.

VII. Political Jurisdiction in The United States.

VIII. The Federal Constitution.

IX. Why the People may strictly be said to Govern in The United States.

X. Parties in The United States.

XI. Liberty of the Press in The United States.

XII. Political Associations in The United States.

XIII. Government of the Democracy in The United States.

XIV. What the Real Advantages are which American Society Derives from the Government of Democracy.

XV. Unlimited Power of the Majority in The United States, and its Consequences.

XVI. Causes which Mitigate the Tyranny of the Majority in The United States.

XVII. Principal Causes which tend to Maintain the Democratic Republic in The United States.

XVIII. The Present and Probably Future Condition of the Three Races that Inhabit the Territory of The United States.