Alexis de Tocqueville

 Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville was a French individual who visited the United States to learn about the ideals and values of the new nation in the 1700s. Alexis de Tocqueville was impressed by the United States due to the freedom and autonomy that existed along with responsibility. We learn that the United States allowed individuals to have freedom and autonomy seen in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We learn that the United States created a system of checks and balances that prevented totalitarianism and despotism. 

Alexis de Tocqueville was impressed by the system of checks and balances that allowed Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court to veto any measure that seemed unethical, unneeded, or that attempted to give too much power to a specific branch of the government. Congress can veto the Presidency or Supreme Court, the Presidency can veto Congress or the Supreme Court,  and likewise the Supreme Court can veto the Presidency or Congress. Like rock, paper, scissors, neither branch has unlimited power. Alexis de Tocqueville described that the careful balance of power between the different branches of the United States' government was important describing how the founders of the Constitution and Bill of Rights fought against tyranny and arbitrariness.

Alexis de Tocqueville described how bureaucracies were essentially a problem and the United States had an amazing system of checks and balances that prevented authoritarianism. We learn that bureaucracies even in the 1700s were seen as a problem to adequate and efficient governance. We learn that different individuals have expressed skepticism about bureaucracies including John F. Kennedy who described in his presidency the dangers of bureaucracies. C. S. Lewis also described skepticism about bureaucracies.

Alexis de Tocqueville similar to other rational individuals were impressed at the intricate detail of the Constitution and Bill of Rights that guarantees citizens basic rights and prevents misuse of authority and totalitarianism that has been seen in socialist and communist nations. We learn that there were different individuals that were amazed by the United States' governance in the 1700s because citizens have basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We learn that bureaucracies have attempted to encroach and make laws that prevent competition and favor monopolies. We learn to reject "monopoly" capitalism, socialism, and communism.