Does democracy need religion?
Article Abstract:
Alexis de Tocqueville presents religion in 'Democracy in America' as the first of the country's political institutions because of its indirect impact on political life. The role of religion is one of the key themes in his writings on the advantages, difficulties and prospects of democracy. He claims that there is a necessary link between Christianity and modern democracy, with the appearance of Jesus in the world and the emphasis on the universal equality of all people making genuine democracy possible. He believes that religion itself experiences a transformation, and possibly even a deformation, under the impact of democracy.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 2000
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Lawyers and liberal democracy
Article Abstract:
Alexis de Tocqueville argues in 'Democracy in America' that lawyers are vital to the effective functioning of democracy. He felt that they would act to restrain the trend towards tyranny of the majority, and saw lawyers as vital to making democracy liberal. He believed that, through defending the interests of wealthy people, lawyers ensured the maintenance and expansion of a thriving commonwealth and thus benefited society as a whole in the long term. Lawyers continue to play a very significant role in creating and developing democratic openings in a range of countries.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 2000
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Mores and democracy in Latin America
Article Abstract:
Alexis de Tocqueville accurately assessed Mexico in the early 1830s in his book 'Democracy in America' as being torn between anarchy and military despotism. Mexico's difficulties arose from customs, which Tocqueville regarded as being at the centre of all his ideas. Democracy is now starting to be put into practice in Latin America. As Tocqueville predicted, what is changing is the region's customs, rather than its laws. For Latin Americans, the 21st century may prove to be the century of Tocqueville.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 2000
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