1. Chapter 4 POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION AND PUBLIC OPINION Theory/Philosophical Focus: Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America © 2011 Taylor & Francis

2. Tocqueville and American Values Alexis de Tocqueville A French sociologist and political scientist, arrived in the U.S. in May 1831 to assess the benefits and weaknesses of American democracy. Democracy in America—critiques American society and the patterns of behavior, within a young democracy. Identifies equality of condition, as "the fundamental fact from which all others [mechanisms] seem to be derived." Stipulates certain mechanisms (equality, decentralized power, public political participation) as essential parts of American democracy. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

3. Equality General equality of condition permeates the public arena and forces cooperation among inhabitants regardless of individual endeavors Leads to commercial and industrial occupations because people are free to pursue economic ventures, wealth. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

4. Equality Equality of condition: Prevents an aristocracy and promotes political efficacy. Yet may lead to negative consequence of a tyranny of the majority. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

5. Equality Equality as the "distinguishing characteristic of the age [1800s]..." and the basis for the U.S. Constitution Institutional design of equality in all aspects of American government; inherent pursuit of commerce; civic virtue of industry. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

6. Equality Equality of condition permits any person, regardless of socio-economic class, to participate in governmental actions and deliberations; every citizen is free to introduce personal opinions into public discourse. “Americans are born free!” © 2011 Taylor & Francis

7. Decentralized Power A second pattern found in American democracy—the decentralization of power, diminishes likelihood of tyranny by the majority. Stresses the advantage of power dispersed among states and central government; vital to the success of democracy © 2011 Taylor & Francis

8. Decentralized Power If you disapprove of a public official's performance, you may challenge that official directly or simply not support the individual in next election. Patriotism, or the love of community, through the "collective strength of the people" challenges the absolute "authority of government" and protects the general welfare of the community. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

9. Political and Public Associations Tocqueville identifies a third pattern, political and public associations, as a means to promote stability within a democracy. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

10. Political and Public Associations Politically, "the partisans of an opinion unite in political bodies [parties]... and choose delegates to represent them in a central assembly." Civil society relies upon the "moral power" of citizens forming political parties to further common virtue. Without the collective organization of political parties, anarchy and disorganization would follow, allowing for the rise of elite dominance. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

11. Political and Public Associations Tocqueville also observes the benefit of shared activities such as schools, religion, family, and social organizations to perpetuate civic values. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

12. Political and Public Associations Shared activities and civic virtue The "right of association is as inalienable as the right of personal liberty"; promotes an avenue of discourse for a "common undertaking." A common motive or passion establishes stability within the U.S. Tocqueville warns of the possibility for newspapers to manipulate public opinion and suppress public discourse. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

13. Conclusion Democracy in America is a compelling critique illustrating the strengths and weaknesses of American society. While people retain different self-interests in American society there are similarities concerning the political sociology of the country which tend to promote unity. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

14. Conclusion 3 components of American society: equality of condition decentralized power associations that advance democracy Tocqueville views these patterns as beneficial to the promotion of individual American equality thus sustaining its democracy. © 2011 Taylor & Francis