Born in revolt against established forms of government and the state, the events which finally culminated in democratic political forms were deeply tinged by fear of government, and were actuated by a desire to reduce it to a minimum so as to limit the evil it could do.
Dewey discusses the historical context of democratic political forms and the fear of government that influenced their development.
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The ties which hold men together in action are numerous, tough and subtle.
In other words, every officer of the public, whether he represents it as a voter or as a stated official, has a dual capacity.
It rules but it does not regulate; for its rule is confined to receipt of tribute and ceremonial deference.
Freedom presented itself as an end in itself, though it signified in fact liberation from oppression and tradition.