But what is more significant is that counting of heads compels prior recourse to methods of discussion, consultation and persuasion, while the essence of appeal to force is to cut short resort to such methods.
Dewey highlights the necessity of dialogue and persuasion in democratic decision-making, contrasting it with the use of force.
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The democratic public is still largely inchoate and unorganized.
The clear consciousness of a communal life, in all its implications, constitutes the idea of democracy.
But he does so only at the cost of repression of those of his potentialities which can be realized only through membership in other groups.
Custom consolidates what accident may have originated; established power has a way of legitimizing itself.