What it's about

A young French aristocrat crosses the United States in 1831 and writes the best book ever written about it: township democracy, federalism, the tyranny of the majority, and the three races of America.

Reading plan

Pick a finish date and Genius lays out the days — the plan shows today's target and keeps you honest.

Read together

Start a circle and share the code — everyone sees everyone's honest place in the book. Accountability, not leaderboards.

Who it's for

- Anyone who wants to understand American democracy from outside - Students of politics and sociology - Readers of the founders who want to see how the republic turned out

What’s inside

1
Book One
25 min
2
Chapter I: Exterior Form Of North America
16 min
3
Chapter II: Origin Of The Anglo-Americans—Part I
19 min
4
Chapter II: Origin Of The Anglo-Americans—Part II
20 min
5
Chapter III: Social Conditions Of The Anglo-Americans
16 min
6
Chapter IV: The Principle Of The Sovereignty Of The People In America
5 min
7
Chapter V: Necessity Of Examining The Condition Of The States—Part I
26 min
8
Chapter V: Necessity Of Examining The Condition Of The States—Part II
22 min
9
Chapter V: Necessity Of Examining The Condition Of The States—Part III
27 min
10
Chapter VI: Judicial Power In The United States
15 min
11
Chapter VII: Political Jurisdiction In The United States
10 min
12
Chapter VIII: The Federal Constitution—Part I
23 min
13
Chapter VIII: The Federal Constitution—Part II
25 min
14
Chapter VIII: The Federal Constitution—Part III
24 min
15
Chapter VIII: The Federal Constitution—Part IV
23 min
16
Chapter VIII: The Federal Constitution—Part V
27 min
17
Chapter IX: Why The People May Strictly Be Said To Govern In The
1 min
18
Chapter X: Parties In The United States
13 min
19
Chapter XI: Liberty Of The Press In The United States
18 min
20
Chapter XII: Political Associations In The United States
15 min
21
Chapter XIII: Government Of The Democracy In America—Part I
24 min
22
Chapter XIII: Government Of The Democracy In America—Part II
30 min
23
Chapter XIII: Government Of The Democracy In America—Part III
23 min
24
Chapter XIV: Advantages American Society Derive From Democracy—Part I
21 min

Showing the first 24 of 43 chapters — open the book for the rest.

Democracy in America, Volume 1

What it's about

Reading plan

Read together

Who it's for

What’s inside

What readers say

Read next

Democracy in America, Volume 1

What it's about

Reading plan

Read together

Who it's for

What’s inside

What readers say

Read next