PLCY 702 M1 DR1

docx

School

Northwest Vista College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

101

Subject

Political Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by AdmiralFieldQuetzal15

Good morning Wayne, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the origins of self-government in America. Great points on the Puritans and their emphasis on the equality of all individuals; it’s why Tocqueville thought the religion to be part democratic. 1 With regards to liberty, I find the Puritan’s affinity on the subject fascinating. At the time of Tocqueville’s observations very few outside of the Quakers truly considered all humans when discussing liberty 2 . Even Tocqueville’s beloved puritans, while allowing and expecting everyone to vote on local matters, focused with what we now know as ignorance, on the participation of white men. When de Tocqueville mentions that Puritanism was a religious doctrine mingled with the most absolute democratic and republican theories, he was trying to find a commonality for his readers to comprehend. That Puritanism was a religion was widely known, but the author took the liberty of framing the discussion to rest on a foundation of values. Tocqueville used the inequality common in Europe and the lack of opportunity to elevate one’s status, to show the impact that the emphasis on equality made in America. Open courts and full town hall meetings, where one could participate in their fate would be a European’s dream in the 1800s. To further entice his readers and prepare Europe for the incoming wave of democracy aimed at killing Aristocratic rule, Tocqueville highlighted the fact that the Puritan’s were not only free to participate in local governance, but that it was their obligation to do. Further, it was virtuous to transfer this sense of responsibilities to their offspring. This focus on the obligation to self- govern amongst the Puritans made it a very special republican aspect as well. It's been a great way to start the course, thank you again for sharing your thoughts, it was a good read! 1 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. 2 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

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