Module 1 - Puritanism Original Discussion Post

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Political Science

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Oct 30, 2023

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Module 1 Discussion Alexis de Tocqueville actively professed the significant impact of Puritanism on origins of self-government in early America in his pair of two-volume works Democracy in America . Born in France during the early 1800s, the lawyer, political scientist, historian, judge, statesman and writer Alexis Charles Henri Maurice Clerel de Tocqueville was tremendously experienced and well versed in post revolution French politics. His interactions with young America came from his travels to the new land in 1831, which resulted in his writings: On the penitentiary System in the United States and its Application in France and the best sellers Democracy in America, vol 1 and vol.2. 1 Tocqueville described democracy as a ‘civil religion’, highlighting its acceptance as a new revered. 2 He assigned a moral value to the young government, stemming from but divorced from America’s religious origins. Expanding on the differing belief systems, regarding puritanism in this instance, he wrote that “Puritanism was not merely a religious doctrine, but it corresponded in many points with the most absolute democratic and republican theories”. 3 For today’s reader, the terms democratic and republican theories could cause some confusion, but the author was addressing governance, and not political parties. Alexis Tocqueville believed puritanism was both part democratic and part republican. Upon reading his thoughts, it’s not difficult to agree. 1 M. Mancini, “Alexis de Tocqueville: A Biography”. By Hugh Brogan. (London: Profile, 2006. Xii, 724 Pp. 30.00, ISBN 978-1-86197-509-6.),” The journal of American history. 94 (Bloomington, Ind: Mississippi Valley Historical Association, 2007), 562. 2 Anindita Chakrabarti, “Democracy as Civil Religion: Reading Alexis De Tocqueville in India - Anindita Chakrabarti, 2016,” Journal of Human Values (December 24, 2015), accessed January 6, 2022, https://journals- sagepub-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/10.1177/0971685815608049?utm_source=summon&utm_medium=discovery-provider . 3 Miller, Joshua. “Direct Democracy and the Puritan Theory of Membership” 53, no. 1. The Journal of Politics 53 (1991): 57–74. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2131720.

Tocqueville believed Puritanism was democratic primarily due to its emphasis on the equality of all individuals. 4 Although today we view this as a positive, Alexis cited several short comings of this equality. He warned of a potential increase in materialism, envy, and shame due to this drive to equality and believed that it could form a certain tyranny that would encourage citizens to balk against authority. Regardless, his opinion of puritanism was bolstered by the understanding that it rejected concepts of a hierarchical society built on birthrights or status, but emphasized responsibility, discipline and working hard towards a desired end-state. Tocqueville was adamant that these values formed a society of self-reliant individuals, capable of governing themselves. Tocqueville also believed that Puritanism was republican in its emphasis on the common good. However; republicanism has had many faces and characteristics in world history. Dr. Ross, in his video The Constitution’s Deep Roots summaries these varied forms by highlighting their “shared commitment to the ideal of self-governance”. 5 To be more precise he then defines republicanism as “a people governing itself for its own interests”. 6 4 A. Tocqueville, “Democracy in America”. Translated by Henry Reeve, Cupple, TX, ISBN 13:978- 153913393 and ISBM-10:1539113396. Ch 17-part II, pg. 169. 5 Ross, Jason. “The Constitution’s Deep Roots” March 20, 2023. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/417942/pages/watch-the-constitutions-deep-roots?module_item_id=49585230 6 Ibid.

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Tocqueville observed the Puritan belief that individuals had a responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the community and to work for the greater good. This focus on the common good, according to Tocqueville, helped to foster a sense of civic duty and responsibility among Americans and was essential to the success of a republic. While some disagree with Tocqueville’s predictions regarding the impact of puritanism on democracy and the republic, few can express impactful objections to its impact on early American culture and to a degree the arguments defending the Nation against its current constitutional challenges. According to Tocqueville, Puritanism played a significant role in shaping early American culture, particularly in the New England colonies. The religion emphasized the importance and responsibility values. It required that members not only practice but raise their offspring to understand the importance of individual piety, hard work, and self-discipline. The author felt these values helped shape the social and political institutions of early America. They helped create a society of self-reliant individuals, capable of governing themselves, and weaved morals with a belief in community to develop of public institutions like town meetings and voluntary associations focused on well-being. The combination of equality and community, according to Tocqueville, was key to the creating a free and virtuous society.