Democratic Efficacy, Foreign Policy, and Societal Energy

Key Insight

Assessing a democratic government's capacity for sustained effort during crises is challenging. Historically, the United States, in its formative half-century, faced jeopardy only once during the War for Independence. While initial enthusiasm was high, it waned, leading to financial shortfalls and a decline in volunteerism, as articulated by Hamilton in Federalist 12. Democracies are less suited for 'great sustained efforts' over long periods compared to aristocracies because the people are moved more by fleeting passions than by the 'reflection' needed for prolonged sacrifice. For the poor, taxes hit at 'the very roots of his existence,' and death lacks the 'prestige' it offers to nobles.

In foreign affairs, democratic governments appear 'decidedly inferior.' While democracy cultivates practical wisdom for domestic matters, foreign policy demands 'coordination of details,' secret measures, and patient persistence—qualities more inherent to an individual or an aristocracy. Despite Washington and Jefferson establishing a foreign policy of non-entanglement and avoiding solicited privileges, Washington had to strenuously resist popular sentiment favoring war with England during the French Revolution, a policy now universally approved, demonstrating democracy's tendency to follow 'sentiment rather than reason' and sacrifice long-term strategy for 'momentary passion.'

Despite these limitations, democratic government unleashes a 'restless activity, a superabundant strength, an energy that never exists without it.' This constant political fervor pervades American society, transforming participation in public affairs into 'life’s most important activity' and a primary pleasure. This agitation, extending from local communities to national legislatures, indirectly fosters prodigious industry. While democracy may perform individual tasks less perfectly than intelligent despotism, it achieves more overall, spreading an active spirit that empowers citizens to improve their own property and contribute to general prosperity, thus yielding 'miracles' if circumstances are 'slightly favorable.'