de Tocqueville-Part 1

Associations and Democracy

                Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America has often been lauded as one of the greatest political tomes of our time.  And there is no denying that on a philosophical basis, he has accomplished an admirable demonstration of the core values of a democratic society.  De Tocqueville summarizes his beliefs with the idea that “The nations of our time cannot prevent the conditions of men from becoming equal; but it also depends upon themselves whether the principle of equality is to lead them to servitude or freedom, to knowledge or barbarism, to prosperity or wretchedness.” (De Tocqueville 880).  With this sentence, he illustrates his idealistic faith in the possibility of a utopian society, one of complete equality, but also his strong pragmatic convictions that a utopian society can easily turn into a dystopian one.  In understanding what de Tocqueville was attempting to accomplish with his political treatise on democracy; it is undoubtedly just as important to understand his motivations for such an undertaking.

            Alexis de Tocqueville lived when France was still reeling from the aftermath of the French Revolution. Despite France’s search for complete equality in its politics, he had a passionate interest in the idea of a democratic government and in 1831; he went to the U.S. to study its penal system.  Whilst there, he became even more fascinated by the idea of American Democracy.   He traveled to over a dozen states, and in 1835, he published his four volume work, Democracy in America.  (De Tocqueville 1)

            With the idea of American Democracy, de Tocqueville saw infinite possibilities for the betterment of mankind. He went as far as to say that “Aristocratic nations are naturally too apt to narrow the scope of human perfectibility; democratic nation to expand it beyond compass.”  (De Tocqueville 545) However, that is not to say that he was blind to the dangers of democracy. Rather, he warned against democracy leading to a tyranny of the majority.  He also was fearful of the dangers of a democracy leading everyone to be mediocre in their equality.

            De Tocqueville’s admiration of American Democracy was not limited to the political realm.  He also saw its impact upon other aspects of life; permeating art, literature and social movements.  There is a rather large section in Democracy in America which is devoted to the importance of the “voluntary association” or club.   He compares the voluntary associations of England and the United States by saying “The English often perform great things singly, whereas the Americans form associations for the smallest undertakings.  It is evident that the former people consider association as a powerful means of action but the latter seem to regard it as the only means they have of acting.” (de Tocqueville 629).

            This idea is demonstrated within the formation of Temperance societies.  Temperance societies in the early parts of the 19^th century focused upon “moderation in drinking, specifically by abstinence from spirits…employing education and good example to encourage reform.”  (Farmington).  These associations were rapidly increasing in popularity, with over 1.5 million members in more than 8000 locations by 1835.  Their main agenda, in de Tocqueville’s time period, was not to prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but rather, to limit its quantity.  Another important factor was the emphasis upon voluntary membership.  At this point in the history of the temperance movement, coercion was not tolerated.

It is vital to note that these societies were entirely voluntary because much of de Toqueville’s argument about the power of American Democracy relies upon the idea that voluntary associations help to maintain democracy.  These associations cause people to feel as though they have power to act and to be heard.  They use these associations in order to be heard; it is their “only means of acting.”(de Tocqueville 629). 

Then De Tocqueville remarks upon his astonishment at the formation of these societies, stating that “the first time I heard [of temperance societies] it appeared to me more like a joke than a serious engagement…” (de Tocqueville 632).  The idea of forming a society based upon moderately consuming alcohol confuses him; he says at one point “I did not at once perceive why these temperate citizens could not content themselves with drinking water by their own firesides.” (de Tocqueville 632).

This is really the crux of de Tocqueville’s argument.  American Democracy works because there is a united front, a spirit of camaraderie and unity that is-pardon the pun-foreign to de Tocqueville.  Without a unity, or an opportunity to unite, there is no real hope for any democracy.  The reason that he delves into associations is because within those voluntary organizations, things that we find incredibly common, within those are the true keys to democracy: a feeling of unity, and the ability to be heard.  In turn, these feelings of unity give a democracy the ability to become something that can lead to “…wretchedness or prosperity.”(de Tocqueville 880).