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# Jalon 1: Tocqueville's Concerns: From Democracy to Tyranny? A Political Analysis (2 hours) **Political Analysis**: A reflection considering the institutional aspects of exercising power, specifically focusing on choices made by the governed. Democracy often creates peaceful social relations and...

# Jalon 1: Tocqueville's Concerns: From Democracy to Tyranny? A Political Analysis (2 hours) **Political Analysis**: A reflection considering the institutional aspects of exercising power, specifically focusing on choices made by the governed. Democracy often creates peaceful social relations and improves citizens' lives, but it doesn't guarantee lasting peace. **A. The Democratic Model in the United States (1776-early 19th century)** **Document: People's Power in American Democracy** * **Question:** What are the people's powers in American democracy? * **Answer:** In the US, the "people" (actually, only white men) directly elect the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Frequent elections ensure representatives are accountable to the citizens, responding to their opinions and passions. **B. Tocqueville's Perspective on Democracy in 18th-19th Century France** * **Under the Old Regime**: Individuals were born unequal in rights. Different social orders (like the Clergy) had specific privileges and exemptions from taxes (like the gabelle or salt tax). There were "dominants" and "servants." * **The French Revolution (1789)** marked a shift, with the overthrow of the monarchy and the emergence of democracy. * **Tocqueville's Argument**: Democracy isn't just a political system but a broader social state characterized by the **equalization of conditions.** **1. Equalization of Conditions as a Foundation of Democracy** **Document: Equalization of Conditions and Democracy** * **Question:** What is the equalization of conditions according to Tocqueville? * **Answer**: It's the principle that all individuals are legally equal, eliminating rigid social hierarchies based on birth. This principle affects all aspects of life, including social, economic, and political spheres. It creates a "democratic society," where citizens participate in their government. * **Democracy's Nature**: It arises from individuals' desire to form a society and results in the rule of the people (popular sovereignty). * **Key Takeaway**: Democracy, defined by equality and the people's power, establishes a new legitimacy for modern societies.