HISTORY: DEMOCRACY OR REPUBLIC?
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DID ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE BELIEVE WOULD PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON ANY EXCESS OF DEMOCRACY?
a. federalism
b. foreign powers
c. presidents
d. the Supreme Court
a. federalism
Alexis de Tocqueville believed that federalism would provide limitations on any excess of democracy. Therefore, the correct answer is option a. federalism.
To find out which of the following options Alexis de Tocqueville believed would provide limitations on any excess of democracy, we can refer to his writings or quotes. Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker and historian who is best known for his book "Democracy in America," in which he studied the American democratic system.
In his book, Tocqueville emphasized the importance of limitations and checks on democracy to prevent its potential excesses. He extensively discussed the role of various institutions and elements in maintaining a balance.
Analyzing the options provided:
a. Federalism: Tocqueville indeed believed that federalism in the United States, which shares power between the central government and the individual states, served as a critical limitation on excessive democracy. It provided a system of checks and balances.
b. Foreign powers: While Tocqueville acknowledged the importance of foreign relations and warned against excessive influence, he did not specifically mention it as a limitation on excesses of democracy.
c. Presidents: Tocqueville recognized the role of the President in the democratic system but did not directly refer to them as a limitation on democratic excesses.
d. The Supreme Court: Tocqueville considered the judiciary and, more specifically, the Supreme Court as an important limitation on democratic excesses. He emphasized the role of the courts in safeguarding individual rights, interpreting the Constitution, and acting as a barrier against potential tyranny of the majority.
Therefore, based on Tocqueville's views as expressed in his writings, the correct answer would be option d. The Supreme Court.
It's essential to remember that in historical and political contexts, different interpretations and perspectives exist, and scholars may have varying interpretations of Tocqueville's work. It's always good practice to refer to primary sources, such as Tocqueville's writings, for a more comprehensive understanding.