The debates of that great assembly are frequently vague and perplexed, seeming to be dragged rather than to march, to the intended goal. Something of this sort must, I think, always happen in public democratic assemblies.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Democratic assemblies often struggle with clear and efficient debate.
- In plain terms
- Public democratic debates are often unclear and slow.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect inefficiency in democratic debates.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is debate often unclear?
- How to improve democratic discussion?
Another view
Some assemblies can be quite efficient.
More from Alexis de Tocqueville
The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage. That is a commonplace truth, but one to which my…
Permalink to quote #75 The electors see their representative not only as a legislator for the state but also as the natural protector of local interests in the legislature; indeed, t…
Permalink to quote #77 The Americans never use the word peasant, because they have no idea of the class which that term denotes; the ignorance of more remote ages, the simplicity of …
Permalink to quote #74
Related quotes
There is only one thing to do - take it to the country!
Eugene McCarthyEugene McCarthy quote #4 Let me tell you something-wait a minute. You know one thing that's wrong with this country? Everybody gets a chance to have their fair say-my budget did more t…
Bill ClintonBill Clinton quote #8 A full and fair discussion is essential to democracy.
George SorosGeorge Soros quote #47