Democracy in America

Alexis de TocquevilleNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1835

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Volume 1, Part 1, Introduction

Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 5

Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 6-7

Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 8

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 1-2

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 3-4

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 5

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 6

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 7

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 8

Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 9-10

Volume 2, Notice

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 3-5

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 6-8

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 9-10

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 11-12

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 13-15

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 16-19

Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 20-21

Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 1-3

Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 4-7

Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 8-12

Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 13-17

Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 18-20

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 1-4

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 5-7

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 8-12

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 13-16

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 17-20

Volume 2, Part 3, Chapters 21-26

Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 1-3

Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 4-6

Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 7-8

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Volume 2, Notice

“Notice” Summary and Analysis

Tocqueville introduces the second volume of his work with a reminder that while other social trends are evident in both America and Europe, his primary interest is equality and its results. He asserts, “I have not undertaken to show the reason for all our penchants and ideas; I only wanted to bring out the extent to which equality has modified the one and the other” (399-400).

He notes that some readers may be surprised at the criticisms he levels against America and democracy. He responds that the task is urgent and may be unpopular, but it is necessary. He argues, “I thought that many would take it upon themselves to announce the new goods that equality promises to men, but that few would dare to point out from afar the perils with which it threatens them” (400).