18527. THE COMPATIBILITY OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AND NATIONALISM. This paper responds to a 1909 quote by Herbert Croly regarding the need for “healing” the split between American democracy (represented by the ideals of Thomas Jefferson) and patriotic nationalism (represented by the views of Alexander Hamilton). It is argued that the tension between democracy (individualism) and nationalism (collective interests) is a natural factor in American politics and is not in need of “healing,” per se. It is further argued that the U.S. Constitution was designed to seek a balance between the forces of democracy and nationalism. KEYWORDS: politics United States democracy patriotism nationalism Jefferson Hamilton. APA Style. 8 pages, 17 footnotes, 6 bibliographic sources. 1,879 words.