According to Tocqueville, why are interest groups essential for the development and maintenance of democracy?

What will be an ideal response?


An ideal response will:
1, Provide a brief background on Alexis de Tocqueville, noting that he travelled throughout the United States in the 1830s and noticed a strong tendency of Americans to engage in collective action.
2, Explain Tocqueville's assumption that individuals have greater political power when they join together with like-minded individuals.
3, Explain Tocqueville's view that interest groups are essential to preserve individual freedoms and liberties and to guard against tyranny of the majority.

Political Science

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Perhaps the most distinctive roles in the legislative process are those of the _________

A. governor B. leadership C. committee chairs D. legislative staffs

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Population changes and shifting population migrations have had no effect on the political balance in the U.S. House of Representatives

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Political Science

According to the 2000 Census, African Americans are the fastest growing American ethnic group

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Political Science

Scholars often use the experience of the Soviet Union in the twentieth century as an example of which problem of central planning

a. increasing class inequities. b. the inability to direct economic resources to address pressing national needs. c. production of consumer goods privileged at the expense of heavy industry protection. d. lack of economic efficiency. e. the ups and downs of the business cycle.

Political Science