Who wrote "Democracy in America," highlighting that many people act for the common good?

"Democracy in America" was authored by Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian. In this seminal work, Tocqueville examines the democratic revolution that he observed in America during the early 19th century. He articulates how democracy encourages a sense of civic responsibility and the inclination of individuals to act for the common good.

Tocqueville's analysis reveals that in a democratic society, citizens often engage in collective actions that benefit the community, fostering cooperation and social harmony. This perspective illuminated the potential of democratic governance to cultivate a spirit of solidarity among individuals, which he believed was essential for the health of democracy.

The other figures mentioned in the choices contributed significant ideas in political philosophy, but they did not create this particular work. Thomas Hobbes is known for his beliefs on the social contract and the need for a powerful sovereign, Montesquieu is famous for his theory of the separation of powers, and Karl Marx focused on class struggle and critiques of capitalism. None of these perspectives directly address the themes of civic virtue and democratic engagement found in Tocqueville's work.