POL100: Introduction to Politics

Questions on Dewey and Barber.

Dewey rejects what he calls "authoritarian methods" (167). What does he mean?

Dewey argues that "democratic ends demand democratic methods for their realization" (167). What do you think he means by that claim?

Dewey argues that the "oligarchy. . of an economic class" is dominant in the U.S. in the 1920s. What does he mean by this claim? He also argues that this oligarchy claims to rule based on economic and technical expertise. What sorts of democratic responses are available to counter the claims of economic experts on ruling authority, according to Dewey? (see esp. 169-170, and pay attention to the question of the relationship between "intelligence" and democracy.

What does it mean to be a "strong democratic citizen," according to Barber? How do you become a "strong democratic" citizen? What are the main differences between "strong democracy" and "unitary democracy"?

Why does Barber say that "to exercise the franchise is unhappily also to renounce it"? Do you agree with him?