The Logistics of Government

"Administrative decentralization produces several diverse effects in America.  We have seen that the Americans have almost entirely isolated the administration from the government; in doing this they seem to have overstepped the limits of sane reason, for order, even in secondary matters, is still a national interest." - Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy In America (Page 90)

Here, Toqueville devotes his time to exploring local townships and then a broad overview of the union.  Specifically, he looks at New England townships as the ideal form.  Toqueville even goes as far to say that the execution of all townships in America is not equal.  He prides America for the "municipal spirit" that drives its citizens, but also states that it requires a certain amount of education, awareness, and participation on the part of citizens, lest they become mere serfs that our found in monarchies.  

Tocqueville finds a flaw in the U.S. government of a lack of centralization.  He laments that the U.S. is wasting its potential with its unclear hierarchy of government.  I think he worries that there are not enough practial resources for the government supervise democracy under the present system.  As an example he states that ""In America, the means available to the authorities for the discovery of crimes and arrest of criminals are few." (Page 96).

We've all waited in line at the DMV, and seen the bureaucracy of our government at work.  You have to find out who to talk to and then wait to be served, and then move up the chain of command until your problem has been solved.  

Logistics aside, Toqueville praises the United States, and while it is not perfect, it is still the example he is bringing to the people of France. 

"I America the force behind the state is much less well regulated, less enlightened, and less wise, but is a hundred times more powerful than in Europe.  Without a doubt there is no other country on earth where people make such great efforts to achieve social prosperity.  I know of no other people who have founded so many schools or such efficient ones, or churches more in touch with the religious needs of the inhabitants, or municipal roads so well maintained." (Page 92)