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About this quote

What does it mean?
Equal inheritance and a free press are enough to sustain a republic.
In plain terms
Fair inheritance and press freedom sustain a republic.
What can you take from it?
Ensure equal property rules and press liberty.

Where it applies

  • constitutional design
  • policy reform

Putting it to work

  • reform inheritance law
  • protect journalistic independence

Questions to consider

  • Are equal inheritances truly possible?
  • How does press freedom affect governance?

Another view

Other factors like rule of law and civic virtue also matter.

More from Alexis de Tocqueville

  1. Every central government worships uniformity: uniformity relieves it from inquiry into an infinity of details.

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. He was as great as a man can be without morality.

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Equality is a slogan based on envy. It signifies in the heart of every republican: 'Nobody is going to occupy a place higher than I.'

    Permalink to quote #36

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