At a time when American democracy seems especially perilous to some, it may serve as a useful reminder that democracy in general has always vibrated between the poles of anarchy and tyranny, and American democracy in particular generates high levels of uncertainty, anxiety, and dissolution. Perhaps this is why the great French author Alexis de Tocqueville, described Democracy in America as “filling his soul with a kind of religious terror.” In this seminar, we will explore the main themes of this classic work, identifying democracy’s perils as well as its promises, its dangers and its demands, and the hope that it provides for nourishing freedom. Maybe, Tocqueville seems to be saying, it’s not a particular politician or party that makes us crazy, it might be American democracy itself. Jeff Polet, Ph.D. is a professor of Political Science at Hope College where he teaches political theory. He has published in the area of electoral law, faith-based initiatives, and marriage policy on the public policy side of things, and on important themes and thinkers in contemporary political thought.