Popular Sovereignty and Functional Political Institutions: Macintyre & Tocqueville on The Viability of Citizenship in Modern Liberal Democracies

Abstract

Tocqueville’s exploration of the art of freedom has significant parallels with MacIntyre’s conception of practical rationality. Exploring these parallels and differences provides valuable insights for deliberations on the common good within contemporary political contexts. At first glance, MacIntyre clearly appears skeptical about the ability of liberal political institutions to uphold genuine common good. However, a closer examination of his ideas suggests a more nuanced perspective. Within the delicate fabric of local communities, rational deliberation may be possible –even when sustained by liberal political institutions– thus offering a pathway to the realization of genuine common good. This nuanced perspective to some extent aligns with Tocqueville’s insights, creating important parallels in their political implications. Both authors, for example, contend that tempering individualism is essential for the emergence of a robust notion of freedom and, consequently, a salutary understanding of the common good. Notably, for both Tocqueville and MacIntyre, local communities play a crucial role in contributing to that effect. In this light, fostering the conditions for local communities to thrive is more beneficial in today’s political landscape than advocating for a radical replacement of liberal political frameworks.