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)

Book Reference

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


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.