Parent Guide > Excerpt from Democracy in America: Why Americans Are So Restless

This week in class, we’re reading "Excerpt from Democracy in America: Why Americans Are So Restless" by Alexis de Tocqueville.

In this excerpt from Democracy in America, Tocqueville breaks down how democracy functions in America and the effects equality have on Americans' happiness and sense of success.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of America, Beauty & Happiness, and Power & Greed as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"Does money buy happiness?", "What makes America unique?", and "How can we achieve happiness?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this political theory at home:
  • What was "Excerpt from Democracy in America: Why Americans Are So Restless" about?
  • What did you learn about America?
  • What did you learn about Beauty & Happiness?
  • What did you learn about Power & Greed?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • 'SOCIOLOGY - Alexis De Tocqueville'
  • 'A CLUTTERED LIFE: Middle-Class Abundance'