The Essence and Features of Democracy in the Interpretation of A. de Tocqueille

The article analyzes the backbone markers of democracy identified by A. Tocqueville against background a comparison aristocratic systems and effective democracy. essential signs democratic transformations are presented: gradual but noticeable increase in material well-being an average citizen; central government with local self-government significant influence on their decisions universal human values; public opinion as one full-fledged branches power; quantitatively limited apparatus officials/civil servants, accessible possible for communication population; lack connection between ascending political career personal enrichment; subordination citizens not to official, current legislation; education patriotism involving many country; mass will expressing help rights freedoms. It is noted that such signs, according Tocqueville, include absence censorship, presence freedom speech; unimportance struggle solving, first all, problems country's life support; activity; enlightenment people; respect production work; intensive within country developed social infrastructure; constant formation new goals development, well permanent desire implementation; psychological youth person; optimistic outlook future; dynamism professional regarding solution problems; rule law, equality all before law; opportunities citizens, thanks results own work, compete success equal footing. emphasized “enemies” democracy, unlimited, uncontrolled its usurpation; use excessive force; despotism, which especially harmful wealth; absenteeism; apathy; inaction; destructive traditionalism; authority individual, associated only hereditary status wealth. attention focused paradoxes he saw advantage process. According philosopher, among ruled there outstanding people who, result processes electoral some reason did find themselves circle elite. explained this wide range available self-realization outside career. At same time, coming power person, thinker, contributes growth education, activity, responsibility, rational thinking societal scale. All forms huge energy positive socio-political economic changes. Particular paid mutual prosperity, recorded Tocqueville.