Despotism

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Despotism

A despotism is defined as a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power. Many of the aristocratic regimes of old can arguably be labeled despotisms, as well as some of the dictatorships of today’s modern world, if one can truly define ultimate power. De Tocqueville delved into this concept in his discussion of the newly forming American democracy and how he noticed this democratic revolution making it’s way towards Europe.

De Tocqueville states that: “ The first and liveliest of the passions inspired by equality is, love of that equality itself.” (Reader 321) This is why democratic nations are more concerned with equality than liberty. Because of this love for equality, De Tocqueville argues that there is a new form of oppression that threatens democracies. This type of oppression is one that has never been witnessed before in history, due to the lack of successful democracies until De Tocqueville’s era. According to De Tocqueville, despotism and tyranny don’t accurately describe the situation. He describes it as what could be labeled as “soft despotism”. He adamantly argues that this oppression is one that will go un-noticed until future generations later on, upon recognizing the problem, are powerless to stop it.

Basically, upon the founding of this democracy, the citizens are relieved of the everyday duties of the government, and elected officials burden the weight. The citizens are provided with security and the ability to attain the necessities they require in life. Ultimately the people want to enjoy themselves. The people feel confident in their choice of elected officials and no longer have to worry themselves over every minute detail of running the country. They are left to...

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...ention of his fellow people and effectively stand up for himself in a democracy. Therefore, freedom of the press is a necessity.

Judicial power is a key element as well. Any citizen, however weak he is, can appeal to a judge and have his case heard. This judicial system must continue to grow with the level of equality as well.

Most importantly, De Tocqueville stresses that the elections must be maintained, even in the lowest forms of local government. Through this the people will always have their voice heard and will maintain control. Ultimately, it sounds as though De Tocqueville’s main point is that the citizens themselves must realize what can happen to them if they do not keep a handle on the situation. It is they who make the decisions on who leads them and they must keep an eye on the authority to ensure it does not reach a level that is irreversible.

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