Essay Questions

What are the two tactics used by the state to control the public, according to Dewey?

Dewey illustrates the two main components of a nation, which are the state and the public. The government is tasked with the responsibility of solving the problems affecting the people. Dewey views a government as an endless entity of power because it plays with the public's minds to ensure that it remains in control. For instance, in democratic countries, the legislators acknowledge the challenges that face the people, but instead of solving them, they asphyxiate those challenges. As a result, the public continues being optimistic and relying on the government to solve their issues. Secondly, the state adds fake publics to sidetrack people from concentrating on the real issues affecting them, thus giving the government the chance of remaining in control.

What is the role of government according to the book ‘The Public and its Problems’?

Throughout the book, the reader can see that the government's sole role is to maintain the status quo. The government only tries to change address situations when demanded by the public. In other words, the primary goal of government is to control the public at all times. The community resolves most problems facing the public with minimal interference from the government. Dewey explains that most governments are in optimal control when the status quo is observed and maintained. Abrupt changes demanded by the public might endanger the government's stability, which is why many lawmakers prefer to stifle the problems raised by the public instead of solving them instantly.

What is the irony of a democracy?

The first impression that comes across the reader's mind when hearing the term 'democracy' is openness, fairness, integrity leadership, and inclusion. Ironically, the governments terming themselves democratic are doing the opposite things prescribed in egalitarianism. Dewey depicts politicians as greed creatures who have put their interests first instead of the public. Most politicians take bribes to bend laws and favor people with selfish interests. For instance, the big companies and other institutions bribes politicians to tailor legislation in their favor. Therefore, one wonders the government is in place to serve the public.