Final answer:
Alexis de Tocqueville believed that egalitarianism, or equality before the law, was essential to the success of the United States' constitutional republic. He praised the balance between liberty and equality and how Americans collaborated through voluntary associations for community welfare, despite his concerns about the 'tyranny of the majority'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian and political thinker, believed that egalitarianism, or equality before the law, was a key factor in the success of the United States as a constitutional republic. During his visit to the U.S. in the 1830's, Tocqueville observed that Americans had a unique approach to solving community issues through voluntary associations. These associations allowed individuals to put aside their own personal interests to work toward the common good, which contributed to the stability and effectiveness of the democratic system.
Tocqueville also noted the balance between liberty and equality as a fundamental principle in American democracy. This balance, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers, was oriented towards ensuring equal opportunities and the protection of individual liberties, as opposed to enforcing equal outcomes. While Tocqueville did express concerns about the 'tyranny of the majority', he recognized that the American system provided a good measure of both liberty and equality, which he saw as essential for the flourishing of democracy.
The success of the American constitutional republic, as seen by Tocqueville, lay in the ability to integrate enlightenment ideals of liberty and democracy with a practical governance system. This system was deeply influenced by thinkers like John Locke and Baron Montesquieu, emphasizing natural rights and separation of powers, respectively. Moreover, the relatively equitable distribution of wealth and the focus on protecting individual freedoms contributed to the nation's resilience and prosperity.