They make such a sharp distinction between the state and a government that, from the standpoint of the theories, a government may be corrupt and injurious and yet The State by the same idea retain its inherent dignity and nobility.
Dewey points out the disconnect between the perceived nobility of the state and the reality of corrupt governments.
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In short, private acts may be socially valuable both by indirect consequences and by direct intention.
There is therefore no necessary connection between the private character of an act and its non-social or anti-social character.
The foe to be dreaded is interference of government.
In other words, every officer of the public, whether he represents it as a voter or as a stated official, has a dual capacity.