The struggle for emancipation from their influence was identified with the liberty of the individual as such; in the intensity of the struggle, associations and institutions were condemned wholesale as foes of freedom save as they were products of personal agreement and voluntary choice.
Dewey discusses the relationship between individual liberty and the influence of societal institutions.
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It rules but it does not regulate; for its rule is confined to receipt of tribute and ceremonial deference.
The democratic public is still largely inchoate and unorganized.
They are reflections into the singular human being of customs and institutions; they are not natural, that is, “native,” organic propensities.
In other words, every officer of the public, whether he represents it as a voter or as a stated official, has a dual capacity.