Final answer:
Alexis de Tocqueville concluded that the United States was a democratic country based on his extensive observations detailed in 'Democracy in America.' His work underscored America's commitment to equality before the law and the potential issue of 'tyranny of the majority.' Tocqueville's insights were influential in understanding the democratic process and its global significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French aristocrat, was sent by the French government to the United States to report on prison reforms but his observations led to a much broader analysis of American society. In his renowned work Democracy in America, published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840, Tocqueville outlined in great detail the democratic fabric of American life. Despite his aristocratic background, he was particularly impressed by the equality before the law that democracy provided and by the American habit of forming voluntary associations to address community issues. However, Tocqueville also expressed concern over the 'tyranny of the majority,' a consequence of democracy wherein the majority's will could potentially oppress minority groups and individuals.
Through his extensive travels throughout the country, Tocqueville observed the unique qualities of the United States, which included its diverse regional political cultures, and the spirit of democracy that was interwoven with the nation's fabric. While he highlighted some negative aspects of the societal revolution brought about by democracy, his overall conclusion positioned the United States fundamentally as a reminder of the unrelenting power and potential ramifications of democracy. These observations make it clear that de Tocqueville considered the United States to be a democratic country, not necessarily a populist, aristocratic, or other forms of government. His findings were influential not only in America but also resonated throughout Europe, shedding light on the democratic experiment and its implications for the world.