Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 71%

"These excerpts are from the first volume of Alexis de Tocquevilles osoit Delhicciacy in America, published in 1835.
Excerpt 1
A majority... may be regarded as a being whose opinions, and most frequently whose interests, are opposed to those of another being, which is styled a minority. If it be admitted that a man, possessing absolute power, may misuse that power by wronging his adversaries, why should a majority not be liable to the same reproach?
Excerpt 2
If there existed in America a class of citizens whom the... majority sought to deprive of exclusive privileges which they had possessed for ages... it is probable that the minority would be less ready to comply with its laws.
These excerpts are taken from the public domain.
"

Which feature of the U.S. system of government did de Tocqueville believe might cause conflict in society?

Rationale

The majority is able to achieve special rights.

De Tocqueville expressed concerns that the power of the majority in a democratic society could lead to the oppression of minority viewpoints, potentially creating conflict within the social fabric. He believed that the majority's ability to impose its will could result in the marginalization of minority groups, undermining the principles of equality and liberty.

A (The majority is able to achieve special rights.) CORRECT

De Tocqueville identified the potential for the majority to secure special privileges or rights that could override the interests of minority groups. This dynamic could foster resentment and conflict, as those in the minority may feel disenfranchised or oppressed by a system that favors majority rule, leading to societal discord.

B (The minority is able to block popular legislation.) YOUR ANSWER

While the ability of the minority to obstruct legislation can create tension, De Tocqueville's primary concern was not with minority power but rather with the potential tyranny of the majority. He believed that when the majority dominates, it can impose its will without sufficient checks or balances, making this choice less reflective of his views.

C (Legislators must represent minority interests.) YOUR ANSWER

Although representing minority interests is a crucial aspect of a balanced democracy, De Tocqueville's analysis focused more on the dominance of the majority and its implications. He did not suggest that legislators' obligations to minorities were a source of conflict, but rather the opposite: the potential for majority overreach was his main concern.

D (Legislators sometimes act against majority rule.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement does not accurately capture de Tocqueville's perspective, as he primarily warned against scenarios where the majority could impose its will unchecked. The idea that legislators might act against the majority is not what he highlighted as a source of conflict; instead, it is the unchecked power of the majority that he believed could lead to societal issues.

Conclusion

De Tocqueville cautioned against the potential tyranny of the majority in a democratic society, highlighting how this dynamic could lead to the oppression of minority rights and create conflict. His analysis reveals the delicate balance necessary in governance, where the rights of all citizens must be protected to maintain harmony and prevent societal discord. The recognition of this tension remains relevant in contemporary discussions about democracy and representation.

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