《论美国的民主·卷一·第五章·新英格兰的乡镇自治》第3节
In order to explain to the reader the general principles on which the political organization of the counties and townships of the United States rests, I have thought it expedient to choose one of the States of New England as an example, to examine the mechanism of its constitution, and then to cast a general glance over the country. The township and the county are not organized in the same manner in every part of the Union; it is, however, easy to perceive that the same principles have guided the formation of both of them throughout the Union. I am inclined to believe that these principles have been carried further in New England than elsewhere, and consequently that they offer greater facilities to the observations of a stranger. The institutions of New England form a complete and regular whole; they have received the sanction of time, they have the support of the laws, and the still stronger support of the manners of the community, over which they exercise the most prodigious influence; they consequently deserve our attention on every account. Limits Of The Township The township of New England is a division which stands between the commune and the canton of France, and which corresponds in general to the English tithing, or town. Its average population is from two to three thousand; so that, on the one hand, the interests of its inhabitants are not likely to conflict, and, on the other, men capable of conducting its affairs are always to be found among its citizens. Authorities Of The Township In New England In the township, as well as everywhere else, the people is the only source of power; but in no stage of government does the body of citizens exercise a more immediate influence. In America the people is a master whose exigencies demand obedience to the utmost limits of possibility. In New England the majority acts by representatives in the conduct of the public business of the State; but if such an arrangement be necessary in general affairs, in the townships, where the legislative and administrative action of the government is in more immediate contact with the subject, the system of representation is not adopted. There is no corporation; but the body of electors, after having designated its magistrates, directs them in everything that exceeds the simple and ordinary executive business of the State.
注释摘要
在这一段里，托克维尔做了一件方法论上十分要紧的事：他向读者交代，为什么解剖美国民主制度必须从州入手、从乡镇入手，以及为什么他选择新英格兰作为解剖的样板。这不仅是行文的策略声明，更是他整个卷一论证地基的铺设。 他先承认一个事实上的困难：美国的政治构造是双层的，联邦政府与州政府彼此嵌套而又近乎独立。如果要先讲联邦，就会陷入一团既抽象又重复的迷雾，因为联邦政府的…