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CF 3333 Clash of Cultures

The Growth of Democratic Institutions

A. Some Definitions of Democracy

1. equality 208 - col 1, par 1

2. popular control, in some sense, of government 183 - col 1, par 1

3. pluralism - competition of ideas and institutions 216 - col 1 par 1-2

    Americans combat effects of isolation through association - associations reunite & empower

    -  see 210 col 2 -213

B. Democratic Institutions

1. institutions note the plural- no master institution (singular)

2. democratic institutions: pluralism

C. The Age of Democratic Revolution

age of democratic revolutions adds to, enhances democratization - a process moving toward freedom - 

start of new age  269 bottom col 1 and following

A. Pluralism: the Heritage of ’88

economic: Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations, 1776 laissez-faire

social: second hand clothes

religious- heritage of 1688, Catholic & Jewish emancipation

political: loyal opposition, mass parties

mitigating effect of the Wesleys

B. Popular Control of Government

1. 1688: the victory of Parliament after the Glorious Revolution

2. the growth of “democracy;” revenue officers defranchised, 1782; rise of middle class: Catholic Emancipation, 1829

3. extension of the vote

a. 1832: reapportionment and end of rotten boroughs

b. 1867: extension of suffrage by one million voters, decreased qualifications

c. 1884: right to vote granted to every male over 21 who was “inhabitant

occupier”

d. 1918: abolition of property qualifications; universal male suffrage; vote

to women over 30; women in Commons

equality- legal & political- largely yes by 1900- social & economic largely no

red brick universities, mass dailies as moves toward equality

A. A new people: Tocqueville

no chain of being - 209 col 1 par 3 

middle class triumphant - 209 col 1 last par

B. Individualism

defined -  208 col 1 last par

Tocqueville’s perspective - atomization - 210 col 1 par 2

small private circle - 258 col 2 on to the master bedroom of 20^th century

C. Equality

new kind of relationships between folk

master-servant - 239 and following

parent-child - 244 and following-see 246 col 2 last par

democratic family - 252 last par

D. Materialism

222 and following - Tocqueville discovers North Park & Central Market - taste for well-being, for things, for money - all very evident in the new “industrial aristocracy discussed on 232 - irony- but real fear- note 234 col 2 last par

A. Self Rule

problem - 192 col 1 par 1- but there are mitigating circumstances- also 199 col 1 par 2

decentralized government - 200 col 1 last par

the law, teaching respect & prudence - 201 esp. col 2 par 1

the jury - 202

religion - 220 and following - note last par on 225

B. Intermediate Organization

1. “public association,” Tocqueville - 215 col 2 par 1

2. intermediate organizations and pluralism

3. the Church as intermediate organization - see 228 col 2 par 1

Tocqueville sees this as a good thing

A. Ambiguity

Carter’s interpretation - top of 192

reason for trip

search for aristocratic surrogates- churches, the bar, civic organizations

and yet the real problem of majoritarianism - see 195 col 2 note relationship of majoritarianism & egalitarianism

B. Problems of Democracy

1. neighbor as tyrant: Mrs. Grundy – 197 col 1 par 2

2. equality and liberty not always compatible