Tocqueville considers the threat of despotism in a democracy from "summary" of Democracy In America: Volume I & II by Alexis de Tocqueville
Tocqueville delves into the potential danger of despotism within a democratic society, a concern that arises from his observations of the American political landscape. He points out that in democracies, the majority holds a significant amount of power, which can lead to the suppression of minority voices and rights. This concentration of power in the hands of the majority, according to Tocqueville, has the potential to transform into a form of tyranny where the will of the majority becomes absolute and oppressive. Furthermore, Tocqueville highlights the role of individualism in exacerbating the threat of despotism in a democracy. He notes that in democratic societies, there is a tendency for citizens to prioritize their own interests over the common good, leading to a b...
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