democracy in america
C1Academic / Formal
Definition
Meaning
A specific reference to Alexis de Tocqueville's 1835 classic political work analyzing the political system, social conditions, and national character of the United States in the early 19th century.
The title has become a broader phrase used to denote critical or analytical discussions about the American democratic model, its principles, evolution, challenges, and its place as a global political concept.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to a canonical text and its legacy. When used in lowercase ("democracy in America"), it can generically refer to the state of democracy in the US.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in reference to the book. When used generically, British media may use it more critically to contrast with the British system, while American usage is more self-referential and often aspirational.
Connotations
In academic contexts globally, it connotes foundational political theory. In general discourse, it can carry connotations of American exceptionalism or, conversely, critiques of American political shortcomings.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American academic and political discourse. In British English, it appears primarily in historical or political science contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Author]'s analysis of democracy in AmericaThe concept of democracy in America as described by [author]A discussion on democracy in AmericaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Tocquevillian perspective”
- “Tocqueville's warning”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in leadership discussions: 'We need more democracy in America's corporate boardrooms.'
Academic
Primary context. Refers to the historical text, its theories (e.g., 'tyranny of the majority'), and subsequent scholarly debate.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Might be used by educated speakers in political discussion: 'It reminds me of a point from Democracy in America.'
Technical
Used in political science, history, and sociology to denote a specific primary source and its theoretical framework.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The module Tocquevillises the development of democracy in America.
- He sought to democratise the process.
American English
- The author Tocquevillized the American experience.
- They aimed to democratize the institution.
adverb
British English
- He argued, quite Tocquevillishly, for the importance of civil society.
American English
- She analysed the data Tocquevilleanly, focusing on social equality.
adjective
British English
- Her thesis had a Tocquevillian flavour.
- A pre-Tocquevillian understanding of the US.
American English
- His analysis was profoundly Tocquevillean.
- A post-Tocquevillean assessment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We learned about America in school.
- A democracy has elections.
- There is a famous book about democracy in America.
- Tocqueville wrote about life in America long ago.
- 'Democracy in America' is a key text for understanding US political culture.
- Tocqueville's observations in the 1830s about American society remain influential.
- A central thesis of 'Democracy in America' is the tension between individual liberty and the tyranny of the majority.
- Contemporary critiques of populism often draw upon the Tocquevillian framework established in his analysis of American democracy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DEMOCRACY (the system) IN (the subject of) AMERICA (the famous book by Tocqueville).
Conceptual Metaphor
A TEXT IS A LENS (through which we view a society).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as 'Американская демократия' when referring specifically to the book title. The standard translation of the title is 'Демократия в Америке'.
- The phrase is a proper noun (a title), not a general description.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase for the full title when referring to the book (should be 'Democracy in America').
- Confusing it with general modern commentary on US politics.
- Misattributing the author.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Democracy in America' primarily known as?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was written by the French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville, based on his travels in the United States in 1831.
Yes, its analyses of civil society, individualism, the tyranny of the majority, and the relationship between equality and freedom are still widely debated in political science and sociology.
When referring specifically to Tocqueville's book, it is a title and should be capitalized: 'Democracy in America'. When used generically (e.g., 'the state of democracy in America'), it is not.
A central theme is the exploration of how the democratic revolution, emphasizing social equality, shaped American institutions, character, and the potential future of democratic nations, including both its strengths and its dangers.