Final answer:
In 2020, Alexis de Tocqueville's values of liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire were present but adherence was not consistent. Issues like the pandemic, social movements, and political divisions highlighted both the application and challenges to these values in American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexis de Tocqueville's five values reflect important aspects of the American character and democratic spirit, namely liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire. Evaluating their presence in 2020 is complex, as it involves assessing the wide-ranging spheres of political, social, and economic life.
In 2020, these values were tested amidst a global pandemic, profound social movements, and a contentious political climate. Liberty was at the forefront, with debates over individual freedoms versus community health measures. The principle of egalitarianism, or equality, surfaced in discussions of systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities highlighted by the pandemic. Individualism was evident in the strong focus on personal responsibility in the face of COVID-19, while populism was manifest in the diverse public protests and political rallies, showing a distrust of the elites and institutions. The value of laissez-faire could be seen in the government's approach to regulating businesses during the economic upheaval.
However, consistent adherence to these goals was not evident, with significant polarization and conflicting interpretations of these values across the American political and social spectra. The Pew Research Center's findings indicate sharp divides and varying perspectives on the state of democracy and values in the US, suggesting a complex interplay rather than a straightforward adherence to Tocqueville's values in 2020.