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CHAPTER XIV.
WHAT THE REAL ADVANTAGES ARE WHICH AMERICAN SOCIETY DERIVES
FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRACY.
Before I enter upon the subject of the present chapter, I am
induced to remind the reader of what I have more than once adverted
to in the course of this book. The political institutions of the
United States appear to me to be one of the forms of government
which a democracy may adopt: but I do not regard the American
constitution as the best, or as the only one which a democratic
people may establish. In showing the advantages which the
Americans derive from the government of democracy, I am therefore
very far from meaning, or from believing, that similar advantages
can be obtained only from the same laws.
GENERAL TENDENCY OF THE LAWS UNDER THE RULE OF THE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, AND HABITS OF THOSE WHO APPLY THEM.
Defects of a democratic Government easy to be discovered.—Its Advantages only to be discerned by long Observation.—Democracy in America often inexpert, but the general Tendency of the Laws advantageous.—In the American Democracy public Officers have no permanent Interests distinct from those of the Majority.—Result of this State of Things.
The defects and the weaknesses of a democratic government may very readily be discovered; they are demonstrated by the most flagrant instances, while its beneficial influence is less perceptibly exercised. A single glance suffices to detect its evil consequences,
