ABSTRACT
Three primary factors determine in the main the tactics and methods of the American democracy. The first of these factors is the complex of traditions, descended to people from the pioneer period. The second is the growing social surplus. The third is the wide diversity among the groups striving for democracy. The many-sidedness of the democratic masses exerts an identical influence. In civilized communities, however, and especially in communities already advancing in democracy, force becomes of less immediate moment. Only to a certain extent is the evolution of democracy in America a social conflict. Partly this democracy will come automatically through growth and enlightenment; partly it will be willingly conceded; partly it will be contested inch by inch. Where the road to democracy runs through the wide fields of social harmony – those fertile fields where practically all social groups may be educated to acknowledge identical interests – no fighting is necessary.
