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Single Idea 22678

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / b. Consultation]

Full Idea

The period which immediately precedes an election, and that during which the election is taking place, must always be considered as a national crisis.

Gist of Idea

An election, and its lead up time, are always a national crisis

Source

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

A Reaction

Rousseau said something similar. Election day in modern Britain is very peaceful and civilised, but it used to be chaotic. The weeks preceding it are invariably nasty.

Book Reference

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.60