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Single Idea 22677

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / b. Monarchy ]

Full Idea

The advantages of a monarchy are that the private interests of a family are connected with the interests of the state, …and at least there is always someone available to conduct the affairs of a monarchy.

Gist of Idea

A monarchical family is always deeply concerned with the interests of the state

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.07)

Book Ref

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.59

A Reaction

The second one is not much of a reason! The same defence can be given for the dominance of the Mafia. His defences are deliberately feeble, I suspect. England had plenty of monarchs who showed limited interest.

The 15 ideas from 'Democracy in America (abr Renshaw)'

22669 Aristocracy is constituted by inherited landed property [Tocqueville]
22670 Slavery undermines the morals and energy of a society [Tocqueville]
22672 It is admirable to elevate the humble to the level of the great, but the opposite is depraved [Tocqueville]
22671 Equality can only be established by equal rights for all (or no rights for anyone) [Tocqueville]
22674 In Europe it is thought that local government is best handled centrally [Tocqueville]
22673 Wherever there is a small community, the association of the people is natural [Tocqueville]
22675 In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law [Tocqueville]
22678 An election, and its lead up time, are always a national crisis [Tocqueville]
22676 The people are just individuals, and only present themselves as united to foreigners [Tocqueville]
22679 Vast empires are bad for well-being and freedom, though they may promote glory [Tocqueville]
22680 People would be much happier and freer in small nations [Tocqueville]
22677 A monarchical family is always deeply concerned with the interests of the state [Tocqueville]
22681 The liberty of the press is more valuable for what it prevents than what it promotes [Tocqueville]
22682 Universal suffrage is no guarantee of wise choices [Tocqueville]
22683 Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents [Tocqueville]